Hamza excited ahead of San Marino challenge

Bangladesh midfielder Hamza Choudhury expressed excitement after joining his teammates in San Marino ahead of Friday's international friendly against the hosts.

The historic friendly against the European opposition will also mark the Bangladesh debut of new head coach Thomas Dooley.

“I’m very excited, really excited. It feels great to be able to meet everyone, and naturally I’m looking forward to the match,” said Hamza.

“It will definitely be a challenge. Playing alongside Jamal (Bhuiyan) and the other senior players is different because it’s a different style of football. They are adapting, and Inshallah I’ll be able to adapt as well. With time, I believe I’ll adjust. We’re excited, we’re ready to work, we’re ready to listen and learn. So yes, I’m really excited.”

Although the Bengal Tigers are ranked 181st, well ahead of San Marino at a distant 211th, the Europeans will not be easy opponent as they get to play the continental powerhouses on a regular basis in the regional qualifiers, believes the Leicester City midfielder.

“It certainly won’t be an easy game. They regularly play against bigger nations, so they are accustomed to a very high standard. We’re playing on their ground and we also have a new coach, so everything makes it challenging. But for us, it’s a good challenge," the 28-year old noted.

“It’s our first match in Europe, so we’re excited to show Europe and San Marino how we can play. It will also be good preparation for the SAFF Championship, so we’re really looking forward to it,” he added, alluding to the South Asian tournament which is slated to take place later this year, likely in Dhaka.