Pakistan SAFF Championship semifinal vs Bangladesh, Digi Mart USA News (Dhaka, Bangladesh): Pakistan captain and goalkeeper Yousuf Ijaz Butt has dismissed the impact of UK-based Hamza Choudhury, who featured in Bangladesh’s 4-0 rout of Sri Lanka, saying his own side’s diaspora recruits can compete. Bangladesh have also been strengthened by the arrival of Hamza and Farhaan Ali Wahid.
Pakistan began their campaign with a 3-2 defeat to India before bouncing back with a 3-0 win over Maldives. They were missing several key players in those opening matches, as five overseas-based regulars, including captain Abdullah Iqbal, joined the squad after the FIFA international window opened.
Among the new arrivals, Sweden-based centre-back Iqbal brings UEFA Champions League qualifying experience, while former England youth international Easah Suliman, now with Azerbaijan’s Sumgayit FK, adds defensive depth. Adil Nabi, a former West Bromwich Albion academy product playing in Greece, strengthens midfield, while Denmark-based Abdul Samad Arshad and Ali Akbar Khan add attacking options.
Speaking to reporters at the Bashundhara Kings Arena on Friday, Butt said the squad’s preparation had been good and that the five returning players could help the team. He did not predict the result of Saturday’s match against Bangladesh at the National Stadium.
Butt also welcomed the introduction of VAR for the semifinals, saying it could help ease the pressure of playing against the home side in front of a partisan crowd. He recalled that Bangladesh had won a 2018 SAFF Championship match in Dhaka with the help of an own goal.
Butt said he hopes Pakistan can face defending champions India in the final, but stressed that his immediate focus remains on Bangladesh.
