Bangladesh football team head coach Javier Cabrera was full of praise of the atmosphere of Kings Arena after his side played out a goalless draw against Afghanistan Sunday to mark the international debut of the colorful venue, which is the first of its kind in the country.
Kings Arena, the home ground of Bangladesh Premier League champions Bashundhara Kings, became the first privately-owned football ground in the country to hold a top-flight match last year before hosting an international match almost one and half years later.
The debut encounter ended goalless but the home side dominated and created a number of chances to keep thousands of spectators buzzed throughout the game.
There were drums, vuvuzelas, big flags and color sprays at the 6,000-capacity stadium which turned the historic occasion into a festive mood as Cabrera hailed the atmosphere “great”.
“It’s great, especially the second half with the lights. It’s beautiful to have this kind of environment. Hopefully, we can live this kind of atmosphere or even more anytime we play at home,” the Spanish coach told reporters after the game.
Cabrera was also content with the performance of his charges which he termed “positive”, “dominating” and “being able to play on opposite half” against a side like Afghanistan who are ranked higher in the rankings.
Afghanistan head coach Abdullah Almutairi blamed his players for the draw but also praised the hosts, especially forward Rakib Hossain for his splendid attacking display.
The second and last match of the FIFA friendly series will be held at the same venue Thursday.
