Bangladesh football team head coach Javier Cabrera hailed his charges for the fight put in against higher-ranked Sudan after two closed-door practice matches against the African side in Saudi Arabia.
The men in red and green managed to play out a goalless draw in the first tie but lost the second unofficial friendly 3-0 Thursday night as Cabrera said physical aspect of aggressive Sudan made the difference during the tough contest in Taif.
“It was a tough fight against a very strong team. Today (Thursday night) we struggled more in terms of physical aspects with a very aggressive Sudan in the defensive pressure,” said the Spanish coach.
“We struggled in building up situations but the team gave huge fight, definitely very positive feedback and outcome from both the games against Sudan which we believe will be very similar to Palestine, especially physical points of views.”
Bangladesh team are at the end of their 15-day conditioning camp in the Middle East country ahead of World Cup qualifying matches against Palestine on March 21 and 26.
Cabrera added that the two practice games against Sudan put his side closer to match preparedness for the first crucial clash against much higher-ranked Palestine, set to be held in Kuwait.
He said: “Overall, the games (against Sudan) were a great experience for the team. We are a better team than where we were before coming here and already little bit closer to the game against Palestine. We will be ready for the 21st.”