Bangladesh midfielder Hamza Choudhury on Tuesday said the hosts are the favourites to win the SAFF Championship 2026 and that the squad is ready for the pressure of ending a 23-year wait for the title.
Bangladesh are already in the semifinals, after beating Bhutan 1-0 and Bhutan’s 2-2 draw with Sri Lanka on Sunday. They meet Sri Lanka on November 11 in the final Group A match.
Hamza missed the opening fixture owing to club commitments. The 29-year-old landed in Dhaka on Monday and is set to make his SAFF Championship debut against Sri Lanka.
On Tuesday, he had his first media interaction since arriving in Dhaka. When asked who the favourites are, Hamza said: “Favorites? I think we would be the favorites.”
Bangladesh last won the title 23 years ago. Hamza said the players knew what the country expected.
“We understand what the whole country wants. But we are very confident in our team.
“We know there’s a lot of pressure on us. But we know and we all want to win inside the changing room and, Inshallah, become SAFF champions.”
Asked about the chance to win the first trophy of his international career, the Sheffield United player pointed to the team.
“Football is absolutely a team game. So, it’s not just about me, it’s about the team. Slowly, I can see that we are improving.
“But I am very excited. I’m truly excited to play in front of the home crowd again in a big tournament.
“It’s been 23 years since we won. So, Inshallah, we will be able to bring it home.”
Hamza said the hype around the team now has to be matched by results.
“The hype has been there for about one or two years. So now we need to start winning and repay the fans who spend a lot of money and time to come watch our games.”
On Sri Lanka, he said the visitors had improved but were under pressure.
“They are a very strong team. I think in the last 12 months they have improved a lot. But we have also improved.”
“There is pressure on them because they cannot afford to lose. So we are very much looking forward. We are confident and, Inshallah, we will win.”
Asked about Bangladesh’s struggles in front of goal, Hamza said the chances were coming.
“I would be concerned if we weren’t creating chances. But actually, we are creating chances, so Inshallah, we will be able to convert them.”