Bangladesh football team will look to end 14 years of hurt in the SAFF Championship and progress from the group stage when they take on Bhutan at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, India Wednesday.
The men in red and green last crossed the group phase hurdle at the regional competition in 2009 and they have a golden chance to end that unfortunate run in their final Pool B fixture.
The Bengal Tigers got agonizingly close to advancing beyond the group stage in 2021 when they were minutes away from securing a final berth before some dubious refereeing denied the 2003 champions.
Goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico was first sent off in the 79th minute with Bangladesh leading 1-0 against Nepal in the penultimate round-robin encounter.
Saad Uddin then conceded a penalty under controversial circumstances minutes from the final whistle as Anjan Bista converted from the spot to send Nepal to the grand finale at Bangladesh's expense.
On the eve of the 14th edition's last Group B tie, Bangladesh head coach Javier Cabrera told his charges to put the bitter experience behind them as they have destiny in their own hands.
“From 2021 they have experienced that situation already. They were very, very close to achieving it. I think that performance was definitely good enough. Again, it's depending on ourselves. I think we have a good mix of players, senior players and young players having a good impact from the line-up and even from the substitutes. It is just about us. We don't have to think much about 2021 or what happened before. It will depend on ourselves,” Cabrera told the media Tuesday.
“We have been able to perform very well two games in a row. Before that in Cambodia we won two games so the tendency is good, it's positive and that's how it should be. We should not think about what has happened already and focus on (Wednesday) and give our best again.”
Bangladesh began their 2023 SAFF campaign with a 2-0 loss against a strong Lebanon side before bringing themselves back to semi-final contention with a brilliant come from behind 3-1 victory over the Maldives.
Given his marching orders two years ago, Zico will be desperate to make up for that lost opportunity and script new memories alongside his teammates.
“Obviously it will not be an easy match, it will be tough. We are all serious. In the last two SAFFs, we came really close before exiting. Our main target is to beat Bhutan. If we can pull it off it will be one of the best moments for all the players. I hope we can repeat our performance against the Maldives and leave the field with a victory,” said Zico, also alluding to the 2018 edition when hosts Bangladesh missed out on a semi-final spot due to an inferior goal difference.
“With the players we have in midfield, I feel we are a stronger side now. The way they controlled the last game, if we do that then I think it will be easier.”
Bangladesh can draw inspiration from their head to head record against Bhutan as the former have never lost to the Himalayan nation in the SAFF Championship, winning on five occasions and drawing once.
Overall, Bangladesh have 10 victories in 13 meetings with two matches ending in draw and Bhutan emerging victorious only once.
One sour note though is the absence of first choice center back Tariq Raihan Kazi who gave Bangladesh the lead against the Maldives.
The Finland-born defender will sit out the Bhutan clash after injuring his ankle in the last game.
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Regarding his injured colleague, Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuiyan said, “Of course we will miss Tariq because he has been like a rock and really solid every time he plays but whoever replaces him I'm sure will do a good job.”
Zico hinted right-back Bishwanath Ghosh can be a good alternative to partner Topu Barman at the heart of defence.
He added, “Possibly Bishwanath can play there. I played previously with him being the stopper. I feel it will not be a problem because our communication is good. If we can replicate it from before then we can keep a clean sheet.”
Alongside Tariq's injury worry, another talking point doing the pre-match rounds was star midfield man Jamal's substitution in both the matches around the hour mark.
The midfield anchor refused to read too much into it.
“I play as the coach wants me to play. We are in a good position, I am okay with my performance,” said Jamal while a deadpan Cabrera informed, “No concern at all. Zero.”
The Bhutan clash comes a day before Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated in Bangladesh and Jamal urged the people back home to watch the game amid the festive mood.
“Actually everyone is a bit excited because it is a great opportunity for the team, for Bangladesh, for the country's football. Everyone is ready. Bangladesh will play a day before the Eid-ul-Azha, I hope the people back home watch the match. The whole country will be happy if we can pick up the three points. I wish everyone Eid Mubarak,” he said.