ASEAN Cup chance for Bangladesh to prove they can play at ‘higher level’, says Shamit

Bangladesh midfielder Shamit Shome believes the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 offers the national team an opportunity to show that they can compete at a higher level as they prepare to face stronger opposition in Jakarta.

“It’s a very big tournament, a FIFA event, so this is a great opportunity for Bangladesh to prove that we can play at a higher level,” Shamit said in a video message sent by the Bangladesh Football Federation after Tuesday’s training session in Jakarta.

“I am confident that we can do well and deliver a strong performance. So yeah, it’s a very exciting time for Bangladesh football to participate in this tournament,” he added.

Bangladesh will begin their Group A campaign against Malaysia on Friday at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. They will then face Singapore on September 28 before taking on hosts Indonesia on October 1. 

Shamit joined the national team camp on Monday, as did other overseas-based Bangladesh players like Hamza Choudhury and Farhaan Ali Wahid.

Hamza is already arguably the biggest footballing star in the country, kick-starting the wave of overseas-based players playing for the Bangladesh side.

Farhaan, who plays for Boreham Wood FC in England, has earned his maiden call-up to the national side and amidst the dearth of goal-scoring options, the left-winger could be used as a striker.

Shamit was impressed with the quality of all the new faces after their first training session together, believing the squad is overall better after their inclusions.

“It feels really good to play with everyone again after a couple of months away. The team is looking very sharp, training went really well, the pitch was very nice,” he said.

“Everyone can add something to our group, and from that, our squad will improve, competition will increase, and that will make our team even better.”

The midfielder said the new arrivals had made a positive impression and that the squad shared a common objective ahead of the tournament.

“We all share the same goal: to do well for Bangladesh, win matches, and play well,” Shamit said.

Bangladesh have only two more training days left before Friday’s opener.

Head coach Dooley acknowledged the limited preparation time but was pleased with the first full-squad session.

“I’m very happy that everybody’s here now. [Shekh] Morsalin still has some issues with his calf. So, hopefully we get the pictures tonight and he can train tomorrow,” Dooley said.

“Otherwise, I’m glad that everybody’s here. We can train. We had a good session today. Great field, great facility here.”

Dooley said the short window to work with the complete squad remained a concern, particularly with several players yet to build an understanding with the new arrivals.

“The sad thing is that we have only two-three days to prepare for the first game with the whole squad. So they have to find each other. We have a couple of new players in there. They haven’t played with Shamit, with Hamza and obviously Fahaad.”

This is the inaugural edition of the ASEAN Cup, with 14 teams competing across two divisions.

The tournament provides Bangladesh with competitive matches against higher-ranked opposition ahead of the SAFF Championship, which they will host in November.