Bangladesh midfielder and former captain Jamal Bhuiyan hailed Hamza Choudhury as the “best player in the team” and said the Sheffield United star deserved to wear the captain’s armband during their 4-0 victory over Sri Lanka in the Tecno SAFF Championship 2026.
Hamza not only led the men in red and green against their South Asian rivals but also found the net, while producing a spectacular backheel effort that narrowly missed the target.
Asked about Hamza’s captaincy, Jamal said on Thursday: “Hamza deserves. He played well. Hamza is probably the greatest player of Bangladesh. So, of course, he is the biggest star. He is the best player in the team. I’m very happy for Hamza.”
Alongside Hamza, goals from Shamit Shome, Farhaan Ali Wahid and Rakib Hossain secured Bangladesh’s second consecutive victory, sending them into Saturday’s semi-finals with maximum points as Group A winners.
“It was a good match. We scored four goals, which is a good thing. We kept a clean sheet. So, overall, everyone is satisfied. Everyone is happy,” Jamal said.
The experienced midfielder added that the team had already shifted its focus to Saturday’s semi-final against Pakistan.
“Now the focus is on Pakistan because I think Pakistan is a better team than Sri Lanka,” he said.
Jamal was also full of praise for Farhaan’s stunning goal. Making his first appearance in the tournament, the 19-year-old winger weaved past several defenders before producing a superb finish.
“Probably one of the best goals I have ever seen at the National Stadium. I think Hamza’s bicycle kick and Farhaan’s goal yesterday must be in the top three,” Jamal commented.
Farhaan’s effort prompted comparisons with goals scored by global superstars such as Lionel Messi, Neymar and Lamine Yamal. However, Jamal dismissed the comparisons, saying he wanted the youngster to establish his own identity.
“I want Farhaan to build his own profile. It doesn't need comparison with other players. Bangladesh fans say, ‘My Messi, my Lamine Yamal’, but I want him (Farhaan) to make his own name. So, it is Farhaan Ali’s goal, not anyone else’s,” he said.
Jamal also provided an update on defender Saad Uddin, who was stretchered off during the match against Sri Lanka.
The versatile defender reportedly suffered a serious Achilles injury that could keep him out of action for an extended period.
“I heard his Achilles tore off. So, it will take a minimum of one year for him to be out,” Jamal said.
Highlighting the importance of having a full-strength squad for the Pakistan encounter, Jamal said Saad’s absence would be a significant concern.
“We need the whole squad. Saad Uddin is injured, so of course we need his backup. Hridoy played as a centre-back. So, we need the full squad,” he added.
