Three newcomers of the Bangladesh national football team Rimon Hossain, Habibur Rahman Sohag and Mehadi Hasan Royal played their inaugural match in the tri-nation tournament against Kyrgyzstan U-23 at the DashrathRangashalaStadium, in Kathmandu, Nepal on Tuesday.
Coach Jamie Day is highly satisfied with the performance of three newcomers performance in the opening encounter that Bangladesh won by a solitary goal.
“I’m satisfied. They did very well,” Jamie said.
“Rimon and Royal played very well but Royal got a little bit tired in the second half. So, we took him off,” the coach added. “International level is a little bit different and a little bit quicker. That’s what always happens with new players. Sohag defended well when we needed it,” he expressed.
“As I said before, we are looking for different players and giving opportunities to new players in these games. Obviously, when we win, everyone will be very happy. But we are not any longer nervous, not worried about the results,” Jamie added. Bangladesh will take on hosts Nepal in their second outings on March 27 at the same venue. The booters finished gym, pool and stretching sessions at the team hotel on at ANFA ground on Thursday. The men in Red and Green have a great chance for the final with the win over Kyrgyzstan U-23. “We will make some changes in the playing eleven against Nepal. We must play attacking football against the hosts and try to win the game,” added the coach.
“Nepal is very stronger this time. Last time, five or six players didn’t travel to Bangladesh. They will have home support as well. It may be a tough match for the Red and Green. There will be some changes in the squad. If we reach the final, may be then, we will take the best team to play in the final,” he said.
Bangladesh, however, suffered a big blow as their key defender Bishwanath Ghosh ruled out of the tournament with a serious muscle injury. Bishwanath left the field on a stretcher on the 70th minute of the game and he returned to Dhaka on Wednesday.
“We got his MRI report and he has a big injury in his muscle. Doctors suggest him at least two-week rest,” said team manager Iqbal Hossain.