Bangladesh under-23 team conceded a 1-0 defeat to hosts Bahrain in a friendly match at the BFA Football Field on Monday night.聽
The U-23 team are playing these matches as preparation ahead of their AFC Under-23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Vietnam, starting from September 3 to 9.聽
Despite conceding a goal from a penalty, the USA-based defender Zayyan Ahmed, who made his debut in the match, was happy with the team鈥檚 performance.
鈥楩irst game, I debuted. I think I did well, and I would give it 7.5 out of 10. The team鈥檚 performance was good; I would give it eight out of 10.
Faced very dangerous counterattacks. I can think, it鈥檚 only up from here,鈥� said Zayyan.
鈥楢gainst Bahrain. We had four chances, very good chances. The game was very even. The group is well-balanced, doing good and working hard here. As we are preparing for the Vietnam tour,鈥� he added.
Bangladesh will play their second and final friendly against Bahrain on August 22.聽聽
Bangladesh have been undergoing a 12-day training camp in Bahrain from August 14 ahead of their qualifiers campaign.
Bangladesh will play Group C hosts Vietnam on September 3, before facing Yemen and Singapore on September 6 and 9, respectively, in the qualifiers.
