BFF announce 35-men squad for SAFF 2023

Bangladesh Football Federation announced the 35-member preliminary squad for the upcoming SAFF Championship 2023 to be held in India on Saturday afternoon.

Abahani Limited forward Eleta Kingsley was included in the preliminary squad. The 33-year-old Nigerian-born footballer was initially selected for the 2021 SAFF Championship in the Maldives but was ultimately cut from the final roster over eligibility concerns after failing to acquire FIFA clearance.

Kingsley made his debut in the Bangladeshi jersey this year against Seychelles.

13 players in the squad were included from the Bangladesh Premier League leaders Bashundhara Kings, while second-placed Abahani Limited had the second-most participation with eight.

Three players were picked from Mohammedan SC, Sheikh Russell KC, and Fortis FC.

The national team will start their camp under Javier Cabrera at the facilities of the Bashundhara Kings in Dhaka ahead of the SAFF Championship from June 4.

Bangladesh failed to reach the semi-finals of the last SAFF Championship in Maldives last year.