Zayyan Ahmed called up for U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers camp

Bangladesh’s build-up to the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers has taken a promising turn with the inclusion of USA-based defender Zayyan Ahmed, who has been officially called up to the national U-23 camp set to begin on 1 August, 2025, in Dhaka.

Zayyan, who caught the eye during the Bangladesh Football Federation’s (BFF) overseas trials in late June, has been named in the initial 19-member squad — the only foreign-based player to receive a formal invitation so far. His impressive fitness and technical ability reportedly convinced coaches and officials during the trial, earning him a coveted spot ahead of several other hopefuls from the diaspora.

Players have been asked to report by 7:00 PM on Friday at Ascott The Residence in Baridhara, where assistant coach Hasan Al Mamun will receive the squad. The camp, which was initially planned to be held at Fortis, has now been shifted to the capital.

While Zayyan’s inclusion marks a breakthrough for the federation’s outreach to the Bangladeshi diaspora, other foreign-born trialists such as Fahmidul and Cuba Mitchell, who were also under consideration, have not been included in this phase. Their participation may still materialize in later stages.

The 19-man squad is considered partial, with players from top clubs Abahani Limited and Bashundhara Kings — currently preparing for international club competitions — set to join after their AFC Challenge League matches conclude around August 12. The full squad is expected to reach close to 30 before being finalized to 23 for the AFC U-23 Qualifiers.

The qualifiers will take place in Vietnam from 3–9 September, 2025, where Bangladesh will face Vietnam, Singapore, and Yemen in Group I. Only the group winners and the four best runners-up from across 11 groups will qualify for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 in Saudi Arabia.

Before heading to Vietnam, the team will travel to Bahrain (14–26 August) for a pre-tournament camp, including two friendlies against Bahrain U-23. The squad will return to Dhaka before flying to Vietnam on 29 August.

The camp will be overseen on the ground by technical director Saiful Bari Titu, though national team head coach Javier Cabrera is still involved in player selection and tactical planning.

Zayyan Ahmed’s inclusion signals the BFF’s willingness to integrate diaspora talent into youth national setups — a move that may open the door for more foreign-born players in the future. For now, Zayyan carries the hopes of both a personal breakthrough and a national project that seeks to blend local promise with global potential.

Defender Md Shakil Ahad Topu, who has already made his senior national team debut, expressed confidence in the squad’s preparation.

“Many of us have played together in the U-20s. There are also some new faces, including a few from abroad, and the team environment feels really positive,” he said. “We’ve been mentally ready from day one, and with some quality additions to the squad, I’m confident we can achieve a good result.”

“The coach sent us a training schedule a week in advance, which we followed individually at home. That should help us avoid early fitness issues. We’ve got a long camp ahead, and I’m hopeful everyone will remain in top shape,” he concluded.

Bangladesh U-23 partial squad:

Goalkeepers:

Shakib Al Hasan, Md Emon, Md Asif

Defenders:

Md Jahid Hasan Shanta, Md Shakil Ahad Topu, Kamacai Marma Aky, Md Alfaj Miah, Md Rajon Howladar, Zayyan Ahmed, Mithu Chowdhury (Only for Dhaka Camp)

Midfielders:

Md Ashraful Haque Asif, Sajed Hasan Jummon Nijum, Md Moinul Islam Moin

Forwards:

Arman Faysal Akash, Razu Ahmed Zisan, Md Rafiqul Islam, Md Rabby Hossen Rahul, Md Piash Ahmmed Nova, Murshed Ali (Only for Dhaka Camp)