Four-time Korean League champions Busan I’Park will be arriving Dhaka today to take part in a friendly match against the Bangladesh champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club on December 27. The Bangladesh Football Federation will arrange the match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium with the financial help from Korea Football Association while Busan I’Park will bear their own expenses during the visit.
A 23-contingent comprised of 18 players and six officials will reach Dhaka at 8:20pm today.
The game is expected to provide Jamal a prefect boost before the next season, though the recent performance of Busan I’Park is not as sparkling as it was used to be.
Busan failed to win any silverware for the last 27 years and finished sixth in the last K-League.
The club, however, have a glorious past winning the AFC Champions League title in 1986 and reaching the quarter finals twice in 1999 and 200 apart from lifting four K-League titles.
Four of their players who are coming to Dhaka have the experience of playing for the Korean Under-20 and Under-23 teams.
They, however, decided to give rest to their only national team member, goalkeeper Lee Bum-young, along with two Brazilians Nilson and Fagner.
Though the visitors have left their few regular players, Jamal coach Maruful Haque believes they are still a formidable side.
‘We all know that the standard of K-league is very high and definitely Busan will also be a tough opponent for us,’ Maruf observed after watching videos of their two matches.
‘But If our players give their best and utilise the home advantage properly anything can happen,’ he said.
Chung Mong Gyu, the president of KFA and Busan I’Park will arrive on December 26 to witness the match.
-With New Age input
