Bangladesh will start their campaign in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2025 qualifiers against their strong opponents Syria in their first Group A match today at the Lach Tray Stadium in Haiphong Vietnam at 6 pm (BST).

Ahead of the match, Bangladesh’s assistant coach Md Jahangir Alam told the reporters that they might not win against strong Syria, but they would try to hold them.

“Syria are a strong side. We will try to get at least one point (draw) tomorrow. The team are ready and have no injury issues. The boys are ready to give their best individually,” he said after their last training session on Friday. 

Bangladesh U-20 head coach AKM Maruful Haque, who recently made the team champions in the SAFF U-20 Championship 2024, said before leaving Dhaka that he can't assure whether the team will qualify for the next round.

Maruful, who was recently appointed as the head coach of the country’s top-tier professional club – Dhaka Abahani Ltd, disclosed many reasons including lack of preparation, injury and dengue issues. 

Seven players from the previous SAFF champions squad were ruled out for different reasons while six new faces were added to the AFC squad. 

The seven players: two goalkeepers – Mehdi Hasan Srabon and Md Asif, defender Rostom Islam Dukhu Mia, two midfielders – Chandon Roy and Mohsin Ahmed, two forwards – Rabby Hossen Rahul and Razu Ahmed Zisan.

The six players: two goalkeepers -- Ishaque Akando and Sohanur Rahman, two defenders -- Golam Rabby, Sirajul Islam Rana, midfielder Razu Ahmed Zisan and forward Mohammed Nazim Uddin.

“It will have no impact on the match. We also have some good players in this squad,” said forward Mirajul Islam.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh, who were put in the five-team Group A of qualifiers, will play against Guam, Vietnam and Bhutan on 23, 27 and 29 September respectively.