Defending Bangladesh Premier League champions Sheikh Russell KC will lock horns with local giants Sri Lanka Air Force in their second group A match in the AFC President’s Cup at the Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo, today. Russell kept their hopes of progressing to the final round alive after managing a goalless draw against group favourites Khan Research Laboratories of Pakistan in their first match on Wednesday.
Ahead of the must-win contest against the local hopefuls, Russell players spent a relaxed day on the Colombo sea-beach which captain Biplob Bhattacharya said will keep them mentally and physically refreshed.
‘After a long time I saw the whole team spending a lively day,’ Biplob told reporters in Colombo. ‘Our young players enjoyed every bits of it and they are now eager to put in a clinical performance tomorrow (today).’
Defender Hasan Al Mamun mentioned that this session helped the team return back to the own form.
‘We failed to perform well in the last few matches in the league which created mental fatigue. Now relaxing on the sea-shore made us confident to give our best against the Sri Lankan opponents.’
Sri Lanka Air Force are leading the group thanks to their 1-0 win over Bhutanese opponents Uygan FC in the opening match.
Coach Dragan Gjukanovic, who is still winless in his new job after replacing Maruful Haque last month, is desperate for some success at least.
‘The main thing is to win the match,’ said Dragan. ‘We are not too much concerned about our opponents and the players will take the field with an attacking frame of mind, ‘said the coach.
-With New Age input
