U17 team returns home after AFC Qualifiers

The Bangladesh U-17 national team returned home on Monday after competing in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers, held in China from 22 to 30 November. The team was part of Group A, facing strong opponents including China, Bahrain, Brunei, Timor-Leste, and Sri Lanka.

The young Tigers landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 1:15 pm aboard China Eastern Airlines. Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Secretary General Imran Hossain Tushar warmly welcomed the team upon their arrival.

Bangladesh made a remarkable start in the qualifiers, displaying dominant performances against several rivals. The team secured convincing victories over Timor-Leste (5–0), Brunei (8–0), Sri Lanka (5–0), and Bahrain (2–1), proving their strength and potential.

Their final match, however, against host nation China proved decisive. A 4–0 defeat ended Bangladesh’s hopes of qualifying for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup main tournament — a chance that would have come after a 19-year gap. Despite the setback, coach Golam Robbani Choton’s squad impressed throughout the qualifiers with skillful and spirited performances.

Later, the team received a warm reception at the BFF House, where BFF Vice President & Development Committee Chairman Nasser Shahrear Zahedee and BFF Vice President Sabbir Ahmed Arif applauded the players for their efforts and achievements during the tournament.