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Tonight, the journey begins.
Bangladesh are taking on India on Tuesday evening at the Nehru Stadium in Shillong in a high-stake AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying match. In this match, Hamza Choudhury set for a landmark debut for Bangladesh.
The game, kicking off at 7 PM local time, is being billed as more than just a qualifier-it's going to be a symbolic showdown between past dominance and fresh hope.
Born in England to a Bangladeshi mother and Grenadian father, Hamza's decision to represent Bangladesh has already stirred nationwide excitement.
From fans lighting flares at Sylhet airport to his warm reception at his ancestral village in Snanghat, the Premier League midfielder's arrival has brought new life into a struggling football nation.
Currently on loan at Sheffield United from Leicester City, Hamza is the most high-profile player ever to wear Bangladesh's red and green.
With 57 Premier League appearances and an FA Cup medal, his pedigree brings a level of experience rarely seen in South Asian football.
Hamza's debut adds fresh intrigue to Bangladesh's clash against Indian opponent that has haunted them for over a decade, primarily through the brilliance of Sunil Chhetri.
The Indian captain, who recently reversed his international retirement, has scored six goals in six appearances against Bangladesh, including match-winners and late heartbreakers. Chhetri's influence remains formidable, but Hamza offers Bangladesh something they've never had before: a midfielder capable of dictating play at the highest level.
"We have to help him. He is obviously the best player in South Asia," Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuyan said recently to the reporters.
Jamal, an expat himself, has led the national team through years of underachievement. He believes Hamza's inclusion could signal a shift in Bangladesh's footballing identity, opening the door for other diaspora players to join.
The buzz around Hamza's arrival has already begun paying dividends.
The Bangladesh Football Federation recently secured a five-year sponsorship deal with United Commercial Bank- its first long-term sponsor-partly credited to the increased visibility Hamza has brought to the national team.
In training, Hamza has quickly gelled with teammates.
"Hamza has adapted very quickly to the squad. It feels like he has been playing with us for a long time," said midfielder Sohel Rana.
Defender Topu Barman echoed the sentiment.
"He is fit, and so are we. Our mental approach this time is different. We're travelling with a winning mentality," Topu said.
India, however, will not make it easy. After a long winless streak, they found form last week, beating Maldives 3-0. Chhetri returned with a goal, and players like Liston Colaco and Ayush Dev Chhetri impressed in attack. Coach Manolo Marquez will be wary of Hamza's impact but confident in his team's depth and set-piece strength.
For Bangladesh, the stakes are clear- break the Chhetri curse, make a statement in Asian football, and ride the wave of Hamza Choudhury's arrival into a new era.
For Hamza, it's not just about playing for Bangladesh-it's about inspiring a generation that dreams of seeing their nation rise on the global stage.