The national footballers met Bangladesh Football Federation president Kazi Salahuddin yesterday and assured him that they would put up a positive display in the upcoming Bangabandhu Gold Cup. The national booters also promised that they would at least reach the semifinals.
Interim coach Saiful Bari Titu, captain Mamunul Islam and other national team members visited the BFF House yesterday to meet Salahuddin, who had earlier called them up to hold discussions on the current situation of the side as well as their preparation leading upto the Bangabandhu Gold Cup.
The BFF supremo expressed his concerns after the national side went down to a 2-0 defeat against premier league giant Abahani in a warm-up match last Monday.
“Apart from the confidential discussion, the BFF president was a little bit worried about yesterday’s (Monday’s) practice match against Abahani. He said with the tournament just a few days away, he expects the team to entertain during the match-day. He also gave a motivational speech,” said Titu yesterday.
“The president talked with us, advised us and inspired us to play well in the Bangabandhu Gold Cup. We told him to keep his faith on us. We gave our word. Hopefully, we will make it to the semifinals,” said talismanic midfielder Mamunul.
Bangladesh have been placed in Group A alongside Malaysia and Sri Lanka and the top two teams from this group will reach the semis.
According to the latest Asian Football Confederation rankings, Bangladesh are placed 34th, two places ahead of Sri Lanka. Malaysia, meanwhile, are ranked 28th but they will send their Olympic team.
The final Bangladesh squad for the much-awaited event has not been finalised yet. It is expected that Dutch coach Lodewijk de Kruif will announce it once he arrives in Dhaka this Friday.
