The confidence of the Bangladesh football team has reached a better stage after the win over the Maldives, said assistant coach Hasan Al Mamun ahead of their final group-round match in the SAFF Bangabandhu Championship 2023 against Bhutan Wednesday.
Bangladesh started the campaign with a defeat against Lebanon and conceded an early goal against the Maldives before a remarkable comeback that saw them score three goals in an international match for the first time in three years.
"They executed yesterday's plan perfectly. They stuck to the plan throughout the match. We put pressure on them right from the beginning and executed the plan quite well," Mamun told reporters at a training ground in Bengaluru, India Monday.
If Bangladesh manage to beat Bhutan, it could be their first time reaching the semi-finals since 2009.
When asked if the pressure would be greater on Bangladesh than on Bhutan for the third Group B fixture, Mamun emphasized the importance of confidence, which could play a key role in securing three more points.
"I wouldn't necessarily call it pressure, but what we have now is a fresh start. This is a young team, and their confidence will take them to another level. Our confidence has been boosted after the win against the Maldives, and it will help us in the next game," Mamun stated.
He continued, "Additionally, I hope our players will give their best. Bhutan are s a good team, and we are fully prepared to face them. If everything goes well, we will finish the group stage with a victory."
Mamun also mentioned that before the competition, their primary focus was on winning against the Maldives and Bhutan at any cost, and he was satisfied with how it went against the former side.
"We were well prepared, and we ensured that the players executed the plan. It wasn't easy because we have eight-10 young and inexperienced players, and SAFF is an international tournament," said the 44-year old former defender.
Bangladesh assistant coach Hasan Al Mamun BFFMamun was a key player when Bangladesh won their only SAFF Championship title in 2003.
After 20 years, the former full-back is now enjoying his new role as a coach for the national team in the same competition.
"It's fantastic. I'm still involved in football. Many of my friends from that squad are no longer part of football. I was a player, and now I'm a coach, closely observing the team. I'm thoroughly enjoying it," Mamun expressed.
However, there is uncertainty surrounding the availability of Tariq Raihan Kazi, a key defender for the current Bangladesh side, for the match against Bhutan.
He suffered an injury during the Maldives encounter and had to leave the pitch.
Team manager Amer Khan confirmed that there was no fracture according to the X-ray report, but they are waiting for clearance from the doctor and physio before making any decisions.
Amer also mentioned that Tariq, who scored the goal that gave Bangladesh the lead against the Maldives, wanted to participate in Monday's training session at BBFS Arena.
However, they decided to give him rest.
Rakib Hossain, who also scored in the win against the Maldives, appeared injured while leaving the pitch Sunday.
However, Amer affirmed that the left-winger is fit as he trained the following day.