Former national captain and Muktijoddha Sanshad Krira Chakra goalkeeper Aminul Islam has been ruled out for three months after he underwent a successful surgery on his injured knee at a city hospital this week. Aminul tore the ligament of his left knee during the Federation Cup semi-final against Team BJMC on December 7 and was admitted to the Apollo hospital.
Aminul clashed with BJMC forward Ismael Bangoura in the 42nd minute while clearing the ball outside the penalty area.
‘It’s a bad luck for me,’ Aminul told New Age on Wednesday. ‘The doctors said I will return to the field in three months,’ said Aminul.
Aminul is hopeful of a quick recovery as the surgery allowed him to move his feet finally.
He is, however, disappointed that he will miss Friday’s Federation Cup final, the first final of his team in a major tournament for eight years. Aminul is looking to the match as it is against Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, his former side.
‘Sheikh Jamal is my former club and Muktijoddha is my current address. I really wanted to play this game. I wish my club all the best for the final,’ said Aminul.
Aminul, however, has high hopes that his replacement Russell Mahmud Liton, who played tremendously well after substituting him in the semi-final and produced a stunning save in the penalty shootout that took Muktijoddha to the final after eight years, will perform well in Friday’s game.
‘Liton is a very good keeper and good at tiebreaker also. He has confidence and I hope he will perform well in the final,’ said Aminul.
Meanwhile, Muktijoddha coach Shafiqul Islam Manik admitted he will miss the experience of Aminul in the final.
‘Aminul is an experienced player. He would be an asset in such a big game against Sheikh Jamal because of his experience,’ said Manik.
‘We will miss him but Liton has done very well in the semi-final and I believe he will put in another stunning performance in the final,’ said the Muktijoddha coach.
-With New Age input
