Midfielder Vincent Hemanta Biswas, winger Rubel Miah and defender Didarul Haque were the new faces in the Bangladesh national squad which was announced yesterday by the Bangladesh Football Federation. A total 27-member contingent, including six officials, was named for the Fifa international friendly against India at Goa on March 5.
The last time the sides met was in the Saff Championship where Bangladesh nearly pulled a win against their stronger opponents, but had to be content with a 1-1 draw after India equalised on the last minute of the three-minute stoppage time.
Winger Zahid and midfielder Mobarak are the players out with injury as Toklis, Mithun and Rubel will step in to fill their vacuum at the flanks. Meanwhile Shahedul Alam, Emon Babu, Jewel Rana and defender Tutul Hossain Badsha were left out of the preliminary squad.
Bangladesh coach Lodewijk de Kruif is looking forward to the match and said how important it is for the development of the team. “My expectation is of course a good result. But for us it’s important to play the match. It’s also very important that we bring fresh blood in the team. They have the potential and if they can bring it in a big match like this. The target is development,” said the Dutch.
Kruif also termed India as a strong team in the South Asian region and though he had little time to prepare, he expects a good match.
“I had minimum time to prepare the team. It is our first match after Saff Championship and after five months. India is a very strong team in the region, the benefit is the international exposure and I can see how they are performing at this moment,” he said.
Bangladesh captain Mamunul Islam, who also led Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club to IFA Shield, was ready for the challenge and said, “We played very well in IFA Shield. I think India looked down upon us, but I think this time they cannot take us lightly. India are the best team in the region and they will have the home advantage. But if we can give 100%, we will win.”
The national team will fly to India today and Jet Airways is the official partner.
Bangladesh squad
Goalkeepers: Shahidul Alam Sohel, Mazharul Islam, Biplob Bhattacharjee
Defenders: Rayhan Hasan, Mohammad Linkon, Topu Barman, Nasiruddin Chowdhury, Yeasin Khan, Atiqur Rahman Meshu, Yeamin Ahmed Munna, Didarul Haque
Midfieldrs: Mamunul Islam (C), Sohel Rana, Hemanta Vincent Biswas, Rubel Mia, Towhidul Alam, Jamal Bhuiyan.
Strikers: Zahid Hasan Emily, Toklis Ahmed, Mithun Chowdhury, Aminur Rahman Sajib