Bangladesh national team coach Lodewijk de Kruif asked his charges to forget their 0-5 humiliation against Tajikistan and instead take inspiration from the 1-1 draw ahead of their Asian Cup Qualifying play-offs against the same opponents. Bangladesh are scheduled play two Asian Cup Qualifying play-offs against Tajikistan on June 2 and June 7 and will leave for Dushanbe today to take part in the away match.
Bangladesh suffered a huge 0-5 defeat in their World Cup Qualifying match against the Tajiks in Dushanbe last year under Italian coach Fabio Lopez after holding the same side for a 1-1 draw at home under the auspices of Kruif.
‘People may keep 0-5 in their mind, but in my mind, I only have the 1-1 draw. And that is what I want to put in their [players’] head as well,’ said the Dutchman during a press conference at the Bangladesh Football Federation House on Saturday.
Kruif also announced his 23-member final squad with very little surprise. The only new addition was Syed Rashed Turzo. The young Rahmatganj forward impressed the Dutch coach with his pace and skill during the 17-day long training camp.
Only 12 players among the final squad were part of the squad in the 1-1 draw match in June last year.
Kruif excluded — defenders Yeamin Ahmed Chowdhury Munna and Shakil Ahmed and striker Aminur Rahman Sazib from his preliminary squad for the away game.
Kruif claimed that his charges are in a good shape despite played out a goalless draw with Sheikh Russell Krira Chakra in their lone warm-up match on Friday.
‘After training very hard for the last two weeks, we are very delighted to travel to Tajikistan for the away match,’ said Kruif.
‘We worked hard with the physical and tactical areas and I’m very satisfied that the players have trained very hard for the last weeks.
‘I’m also satisfied with the player’s performance against Russell because everybody did what he had to do and stick with the plans and came out with a reasonable result.
‘We hope my players will give their hundred per cent there [Tajikistan] and I’m curious to see how they perform there and how they deliver at the pitch against a tougher opponent in an unfamiliar condition.’
Meanwhile, National team football committee returned the arm-band to midfielder Mamunul Islam, who missed the last game of the national team against Jordan due to his suspension.
Mamun expressed his gratitude to the management committee for keeping their faith on him.
‘I am thankful to the national team committee for returning me from the suspension after seeking apology,’ said Mamun.
-With New Age input
