Bangladesh are looking forward to bounce back from the 7-0 humbling against Australia as they host Lebanon in their second Group I match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Dhaka Tuesday.
The two sides faced each other during the SAFF Championship 2023 in June with the men in red and green losing 2-0 in the opening group fixture.
Javier Cabrera’s charges then beat the Maldives and Bhutan quite comfortably in the following two group matches to advance to the semi-finals for the first time in 14 years.
“We are very excited about the match. We know we have been able to compete against Lebanon five months ago. We were bit afraid to face them but we proved ourselves that we have the level to play at their level. We were comfortable after that,” said Cabrera at a press conference in the capital Monday.
The Spanish head coach of Bangladesh added: “We are going to give our best. We are convinced that we can fight to get three points.”
Lebanon are 104th while Bangladesh sit at 183rd in the latest FIFA rankings which put the visitors as favorites on paper.
Bangladesh however, did beat Lebanon once in 2011 during the World Cup qualifiers.
Lebanon drew goalless in their first pool clash against Palestine in Sharjah on the same day Bangladesh conceded that big loss away to Australia.
“We have tried to recover the players quickly as much as possible after the Australia match for them to be fresh. We are confident we can have a good performance,” Cabrera said.
“From the beginning I told players that I have no interest in score sheet. It was a difficult contest. I knew it could happen. The team did very well. They never gave up. We tried our best. I’m very proud what happened.”
He hoped: “The experience against Australia will have positive reward and impact in the future performances.”
Bangladesh will miss the services of two vital players – in-form forward Rakib Hossain and versatile defender Saad Uddin due to receiving two yellow cards.
“It’s unfortunate not to have Rakib and Saad because they were in good moments. Their absence will make a lot of difference but I see others training and I’m sure whoever is going to take those positions will give their best. I’m not concerned,” said Cabrera.
Captain Jamal Bhuiyan also spoke on the occasion.
The midfield anchor said: “We have to forget about that (Australia defeat) and move on because I think we can get point against Lebanon. They are not far away from us. We also already competed against them. So hopefully, we will give our best. We are ready.”
Lebanon head coach Nikola Jurcevic is not taking Bangladesh lightly.
The Croatian said: “It’s an important game for us and Bangladesh.
“We are very concentrated and motivated. We are expecting a tough game, not easy game. But I hope my team will show good game.
“I watched Bangladesh’s two games against the Maldives (play-offs). They are good team especially when they play at home with good atmosphere. They also have a Spanish coach who likes to play. I’m expecting very tough match.”
The match kicks off at Bashundhara Kings Arena at 5:45pm Bangladesh time and will be shown live on T Sports.
