Bangladesh skipper Jamal Bhuiyan rightfully said they have to be "very serious" in the next 2026 World Cup qualification match against Palestine who are 86 places above them in the FIFA ranking.
Both the captain and head coach Javier Cabrera uttered positive words before facing the formidable opponents who they never managed to beat.
War-torn Palestine will be hosting the game in Kuwait City which kicks off at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium Friday night (12:30am Bangladesh time, Thursday 9:30pm local time) and will be shown live on T Sports.
“Everything has been good. We are confident and convinced that the team is ready to fight for a positive result,” Cabrera said through a video message by Bangladesh Football Federation Wednesday.
“Physically they are at a high level. We hope we are able to minimize the difference. Hopefully tomorrow will be a tight fight,” he added.
The Spanish tactician was content with the preparation that included a 15-day conditioning camp in Saudi Arabia and two practice matches against Sudan in the same Middle East country.
“Preparation has been very positive. We have followed exactly the same plan that we planned before travelling to Saudi Arabia - two weeks there, there were 11 sessions, two practice matches,” said the 39-year old coach.
Cabrera labeled Palestine a "very strong team" who registered their first ever victory in the Asian Cup earlier this year to reach the Round of 16 where they lost to hosts and eventual champions Qatar 2-1.
The Lions of Canaan fought hard against Group I favorites Australia in the first match of the qualifiers, only losing 1-0.
Last time the men in red and green faced Palestine was in September, 2021 where they lost the game 2-0.
Jamal is well aware of the strength of the opponents.
He said: “Tomorrow is the big game. We trained and spent a lot of time together in the last 15-16 days. Overall, it has been very positive.
“We know how good Palestine team is. They played very well in the Asian Cup. They are one of the strong sides in our group.
“We have to take this match very seriously, otherwise, we will face big problems. Coach already warned me that they are very physical, strong and powerful. So for us it is about working hard and small details.”
Jamal continued: “We have to avoid set-pieces and crosses because 95% of the Palestine players are above six feet. We have to stick to our game plan.”
Both the sides are currently sitting at the bottom of Group I table with a point each earned against Lebanon.
Only goal difference put Palestine ahead.