Bangladesh are poised to make its highly anticipated international futsal debut in September, but the nation faces a baptism of fire after being drawn into a formidable Group G for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. The burgeoning futsal side will lock horns with hosts Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the daunting prospect of 13-time champions Iran.
The official draw, conducted on Thursday at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, saw a total of 31 teams vying for a spot in next year's prestigious finals tournament. These hopefuls have been meticulously split across eight groups, with only the group winners and the seven best runners-up earning the coveted tickets to the showpiece event.
For Bangladesh, this marks a significant step onto the global futsal stage. While their football counterparts have a longer international history, the five-a-side format presents a fresh challenge and an exciting opportunity for new talent to emerge. However, the draw has provided an immediate reality check, pitching them against some of the continent's most experienced futsal nations.
The qualifiers are set to run from September 20 to 24, promising an intense period of high-octane action in Malaysia. Should Bangladesh navigate this demanding group and secure qualification, the main AFC Asian Cup Futsal tournament will take place from January 27 to February 7 next year in Indonesia.
Facing a futsal powerhouse like Iran, a nation with a rich legacy in the sport, will undoubtedly be the ultimate test for the debutants.
Their clashes against hosts Malaysia and the UAE will also prove to be stern examinations of their nascent international capabilities. The "BFF Next Global Star" initiative, which recently held trials for expatriate footballers, may well unearth some versatile talents who could contribute to this rapidly developing format of the game. All eyes will now be on Bangladesh as they embark on this ambitious new chapter in their sporting history.
