The fan base, hype and the love for football always depend on one factor – the players. The year 2018 has been great for Bangladesh, both in local arenas and international competitions. Let us take a look back at the top five male players of the year.
Mahbubur Rahman Sufil
Just ending his teen years, Sufil has already made his name in the Bangladesh football community. In 2018, the dashing forward was the captain of Arambagh Krira Chakra and led his team to their Independence Cup 2018 victory by scoring and assisting against teams like Abahani Ltd, Saif Sporting Club, Chittagong Abahani Ltd and Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club. Back in August, Sufil proved his capability in the international level as well by scoring against Thailand in the Asian Games. The quick paced finisher clinically executed goals against Laos and Bhutan as well in Bangabandhu Gold Cup and SAFF Suzuki Cup respectively. The youngster has just begun his career in the big leagues around experienced players and he is sure to make more contributions in Bangladesh football.
Jafar Iqbal
Jafar, hailing from the remote areas of Bandarban, had made headlines back in 2017 when he scored 5 goals in the SAFF U18 tournament. The winger did not disappoint in 2018 as well. Upgrading from the U18 pool, Jafar made it into the national team in a very young age and is now poised for the AFC U23 tournament that will take place in Bahrain from March, 2019. His performance in this year’s Bangabandhu Gold Cup and the SAFF Suzuki Cup was a spectacle. Selectors and spectators were amazed at his pace and dribbling skills that helped team Bangladesh make headlines in South Asian tournaments. Jafar is the man to be on the lookout in 2019.
Jamal Bhuiyan
Bangladesh created history as a breathtaking late strike by captain Jamal Bhuiyan in the dying stages earned the men in red and green their first ever berth in the knockout stage of the Asian Games Football, beating 2022 FIFA World Cup host Qatar 1-0 in Indonesia back in August. Jamal’s powerful shot in the upper right corner ringed bells all across the country. Sylhet, the hotbed for talented footballers, celebrated in joy when their local boy made headlines. The sleek midfielder now leads the dominant Saif Sporting Club in the big leagues and also is the skipper of the Bangladesh National Team. A born leader, Jamal is ready to face everything head on.
Nihat Jaman Ucchash
The year 2018 was great for Bangladesh in the hunt for potential young talent. Ucchash, just under 15-years old, flaunted extraordinary speed and finishing capabilities during the SAFF and UEFA youth tournaments in 2018. His contributions were crucial when Bangladesh U15 team became the unbeaten champions of the SAFF tournament in 2018. The youngster is not afraid to take on bigger opponents and has the thirst for goals. In a stream of attacks, Ucchash keeps the opponents on their toes. The teenager is expected to enter the local clubs soon and his talents are awaiting the real test.
Mehedi Hasan
The residency camps, rigorous training and the hunt for new talent made BFF realize one thing in particular – nurturing brings out the best in youngsters. From the long term residency camp for U-15 boys, the management found Mehedi Hasan, a tall teenager with the reflexes of a feline hunter. When the defence fell and the audiences looked away, goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan did the impossible against India, Pakistan, Bhutan and Nepal. The teenager has now blocked one of the highest numbers of strikes from opponents in the U-15 pool. Without his contribution to the team, Bangladesh could not have become the unbeaten SAFF champions this year. Like they say, he is a keeper!
