Sheikh Morsalin’s incredible goal against Lebanon has secured the teenage striker a spot among the eight most outstanding players of the first two rounds of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian qualifiers, together with South Korean wonder Son Heung-Min.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) listed Morsalin alongside Heung-Min, Ayase Ueda of Japan, Almoez Ali of Qatar, Ali Mabkhout of the United Arab Emirates, Harry Souttar of Australia, Dion Cools of Malaysia, Mehdi Taremi of Iran, and Saleh Al Shehri of Saudi Arabia on their website on Saturday.
The 17-year-old attacker was recognised for his brilliant right-footed goal against Lebanon on November 21, which enabled Bangladesh to come back from behind and secure a 1-1 draw at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka.
The Bashundhara Kings forward’s goal gave Bangladesh a crucial point on November 16 following their crushing 7-0 loss to Australia in their opening qualifying match.
The attacker made his debut for the national team in the 72nd minute of the Australia encounter as a substitute, following the controversy surrounding the illicit importation of alcohol into the nation following Kings’ away AFC Cup match against the Maldivian club Maziya SRC.
For Bangladesh’s prequalifier matches against the Maldives, which they won 3-2 overall, Morsalin lost his spot in the starting lineup due to the argument.
The incident also spoiled the young player’s spectacular debut in the 2023 SAFF Championship, when he made his debut with two goals and an assist.
Bangladesh’s prospects of performing well in the qualifiers, which will continue in March of next year, are once again centred on the Faridpur booter’s performance against Lebanon.