Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka in the two-match SS Steel Fifa International Friendly Series last month, but the result hardly moved Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) president Kazi Salahuddin. The BFF chief expressed his lack of contentment and demanded more from the players.
After being held to a 1-1 draw in the first game in Jessore, Bangladesh defeated visiting Sri Lanka 1-0 in the second match in Rajshahi to lift the trophy and also register a victory to end their 19-month winless drought at home.
The federation felicitated the national players for the series win at the BFF House yesterday where Salahuddin said he expects the players to raise their game.
“I’m not so much satisfied with the recent performances. I am sad. I expected Bangladesh to do much better,” said the former national footballer before saying, “I am sad because we lost one and won one against Nepal. I am sad because we suffered to beat Sri Lanka in the friendly series.”
“My team is much better than Nepal and Sri Lanka. But they could not prove it. I think something is lacking somewhere.
“People are not talking about your (players) performance,” he said addressing the players.
Salahuddin urged the players for a better display in the coming friendly match against Japan Under-21 and Bangabandhu Gold Cup.
Meanwhile, chairman of BFF District Football League Committee and president of Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, Manjur Kader handed over a prize money of $10,000 to the team at the ceremony.
“We have seen the tide of football in Sylhet, Jessore and Rajshahi. I went to the dressing room in Rajshahi and told them to win the match. I told them if you win I will give you $10000 as bonus,” said Kader.
