The Bangladesh national football team are facing a crisis in defence, with two first-choice centre-backs set to miss the Bangabandhu Gold Cup semi-final against Burundi on Thursday.
Yeasin Khan has been struck down by fever, while the experienced Topu Barman will be unavailable after getting a red card in the group stage victory over Sri Lanka.
Young centre-back Riyadul Hasan Rafi fought bravely against Sri Lanka with stitches in his head for around an hour, and head coach Jamie Day is hoping the 20 year old can fully recover before the crucial tie against Burundi. There are few other options in his position, and Burundi smashed seven goals as they cruised past the group stage.
The only centre-back remaining in the Bangladesh squad is Monjurur Rahman Manik, who is yet to make his senior team debut. Another alternative in the heart of defence is versatile right-back Rayhan Hasan, who can play across the back line and pose a threat with his long throw-ins.
Topu was not in a good mood after his 90th-minute red card against Sri Lanka on Sunday.
#Matin eager to keeps his place https://t.co/z7I1ze7dub
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) January 19, 2020
“The first yellow card was unnecessary and the second one was also a bit harsh. I will not be in the semi-final, and neither will Yeasin or Badsha (Tutul Hossain). This raises the pressure on the team, as now all 11 players will have to put in extra effort to reduce the pressure on the defence,” the defender said.
Goalkeeper Ashraful Islam Rana echoed that Topu’s absence would pose a challenge for the young defence. Fullbacks Bishwanath Ghosh and Rahmat Mia are also barely over the age of 20.
“Topu’s red card is a big loss because he leads the defence. Rafi is young and promising, and whoever plays alongside him will try to take the chance. The good thing is the players are confident after the Sri Lanka win, but it will be a more competitive game against the strong Burundi team,” Rana said.
Defensive set-backs are not new to Jamie Day, and he said replacements repaid his faith on most occasions.
“It gives someone a chance to play, and hopefully they step up to the mark,” said the English coach, who also dealt with unavailable players in the group stage. In the absence of injured striker Nabib Newaz Jibon and midfielder Jamal Bhuiyan, Matin Mia scored a brace and Manik Hossain Mollah mad a solid debut in defensive midfield.
The national players enjoyed a full day of rest yesterday, with exception of some who went to the gym. Jamal Bhuiyan was among the latter, and he is expected to return to training Tuesday.