Home support can fuel Bangladesh’s SAFF dream: Shamit

Bangladesh midfielder Shamit Shome is counting on home support to inspire the hosts to SAFF Championship glory, despite injuries and the absence of key players before their opening match against Bhutan.
The regional tournament begins in Dhaka on 5 November. Speaking at a corporate event on Sunday, Shome said the team were excited to play at home.
“We want to win for everyone. This is a massive tournament,” he said. “It has been about a year since we last played in a stadium here, and we beat India. Hopefully, we can get a similar result.”
Bangladesh will be without England-based mainstays Hamza Choudhury and Farhaan Ali Wahid. Striker Ronan Sullivan and prospect Shekh have also withdrawn. Shome backed the squad’s depth despite the setbacks.
“We are missing Hamza and Farhaan. They are players who help us,” he said. “I have confidence that two or three others can cover. The team we have can do well.”
Shome said the team would miss Sullivan and Shekh but trusted other players to contribute. The midfielder is regaining match fitness after an injury disrupted his club commitments. He said training had gone well and his priority was to build fitness before the Bhutan match. He also praised kit provider Dore, welcoming the involvement of a local brand.
“The jerseys are very beautiful. I like the green colour,” he said, adding that he wears the brand’s clothing in Canada and the USA.