Jamal: We want to win for Jamie

Jamal Bhuiyan was not in the best of moods after Monday's training session that was held in head coach Jamie Day's absence for the second consecutive day. 

The Bangladesh captain wants to win the second friendly against Nepal for Day who is likely to miss the game due to the novel coronavirus.

Day tested Covid-19 positive two days before the series-deciding game after his charges had beaten Nepal 2-0 in the first friendly.  

The English tactician had another test which again came out positive Monday afternoon. 

Assistant coach Stuart Watkiss is conducting the training sessions in his absence.

“We are always in touch [with Day] through whatsapp group. We also have Stuart who knows everything. So it’s not going to be problem without Jamie. Of course, we want to win for Jamie. He has a family and four kids, they are very worried, but hopefully he will be back [Tuesday] for us,” said Jamal after the 90-minute practice session.

“We have to forget the first match. The next game is most important. It’s like final for us. Because if we win people will think positive of Bangladesh, if we lose, everyone will...We have to win. That’s the only option.”

Lack of understanding was evident during the first friendly. 

Jamal defended the criticism by mentioning their lack of activities for a long time due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said, “We played after eight months so missed-passes can happen.. If we play bad against Qatar but win then what would you say? Result is everything.” 

The Saif Sporting Club midfielder also expected a tougher game and more attack from the Himalayan opponent.

“Nepal will attack more. They will play more positive. Stuart already told us that,” said the Denmark-born Bangladeshi.

“We have to improve ball possession, passing, crossing etc. Our main strength is counter attack and also set pieces.

“We have confidence. I hope we will get more chances and attack more on counter,” Jamal concluded.