Bangladesh midfielder Hamza Choudhury has stressed that his side will not take San Marino lightly despite the European nation occupying the bottom position in the FIFA rankings, as Bangladesh prepare for their international friendly on 5 June.
Hamza joined the Bangladesh squad on Tuesday and immediately expressed his excitement about linking up with the national team ahead of the match. Although the European football environment is familiar to the UK-based midfielder, the occasion represents a unique experience for many of Bangladesh’s locally based footballers, who have never previously faced a European national side on European soil.
Speaking after arriving at the team camp, Hamza said he was delighted to be with the squad and looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“I am very excited. The environment here is very nice. However, I am most excited about the match,” he said.
The fixture forms part of Bangladesh’s preparations for future international competitions, including the upcoming SAFF Championship, which is scheduled to be held in Dhaka in November. Team officials view the match as an important opportunity to assess the squad’s strengths and weaknesses against European opposition.
Hamza’s arrival has generated considerable interest among supporters and teammates alike because of his extensive experience in European football. His exposure to high-level competition is expected to provide valuable guidance to younger and less experienced members of the Bangladesh squad as they adapt to unfamiliar conditions and opposition.
The midfielder acknowledged that adapting to a new tactical system and developing understanding with teammates would require effort. He identified building chemistry with senior players, including Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuyan, as one of the key aspects of his integration into the side.
Despite those challenges, Hamza expressed confidence in his ability to settle quickly and contribute effectively.
“It will certainly be somewhat challenging for everyone. However, with time, I will be able to adapt, Insha’Allah. I am prepared to work hard and listen to the coach’s instructions,” he said.
Although Bangladesh are ranked 181st in the FIFA rankings and San Marino are placed 211th, Hamza believes the 30-place gap does not accurately reflect the challenge awaiting his team.
He noted that San Marino regularly compete against some of Europe’s strongest football nations and have become accustomed to facing opponents of a very high standard. He also highlighted that Bangladesh will be playing away from home and against a side that has recently appointed a new coach.
“The match will certainly not be easy. They are accustomed to playing against big countries all the time, and the quality of their football has improved considerably. We are playing on their ground, and they have a new coach. Altogether, it is quite a challenging situation. It is a good challenge for us,” Hamza said.
The midfielder added that Bangladesh are eager to showcase their capabilities against European opposition while gaining valuable experience from the encounter.
“We are looking forward to showing Europe and San Marino what we are capable of. At the same time, it will be excellent preparation for the SAFF Championship,” he stated.
For Bangladesh, the match carries significance beyond the immediate result. The coaching staff are expected to use the fixture to evaluate the squad in a different footballing environment and against opponents with a contrasting style of play. Such exposure is viewed as an important component of the team’s long-term development and preparation for regional competitions.
Hamza is scheduled to begin training with the squad from Wednesday and will have two training sessions before the match. While the preparation period is relatively short, it will provide an opportunity for him to build understanding with teammates and become familiar with the tactical plans of the coaching staff.
As Bangladesh continue their preparations for the November SAFF Championship, the friendly against San Marino offers both a competitive test and a valuable learning opportunity. With Hamza now integrated into the squad, the team will look to make the most of a rare opportunity to face European opposition away from home.