Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra failed to hold the lead twice and it cost them dearly, said coach Maruful Haque after their shocking defeat to Team BJMC in the Federation
Cup quarter-final on Monday.
BJMC came back on each occasion to make the score 2-2, taking the game to a penalty shootout, which they won 5-4.
Maruf was equally critical of his defence and forward line and said they were suffering in the absence of Zahid Hossain, who joined Mohammedan Sporting Club during the
offseason.
`We failed to hold the leads twice due to poor defending,’ said Maruf.
`After getting the lead, our boys didn’t play cautiously, so they [BJMC] got the room to create attacks.’
Maruf admitted that they have only one striker – Mithun Chowdhury – but the opposition attackers applied pressure and utilised their chances.
`We suffered with our forward line. We have no any forwards except Mithun,’ said a disappointed Maruf.
He was, however, hopeful to do better in the upcoming league and other tournaments.
`Our foreigners have yet to set up with the local players. I hope they will adapt to the conditions before the league and I am hopeful that the team will perform well
in the upcoming meets.’
BJMC’s newly appointed coach Ali Azgar Nasir praised his players for the remarkable win but he added that they had failed to secure the win in extra time due to some
missed chances.
`Our boys executed my plan as I told them to, putting pressure on the opponent defense. Actually, we have to win the match in the additional time, but Ikanga missed
the penalty and their keeper [Biplob] foiled several of our chances,’ said Nasir.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Football Federation amended the schedule for the remainder of the tournament after matches had to be delayed due to the political situation.
The first semi-final between Abahani Limited and Sheikh Jamal will take place on Friday instead of Wednesday, and the second semi-final between BJMC and Muktijoddha
Sangsad KC is scheduled for Saturday. The final is scheduled to be held on Monday. All the matches will start at 5:00pm.
-With New Age input
