Kathmandu: Bangladesh take on host Nepal in the ultimate match of two-match FIFA Tier-1 International Friendlies scheduled to be held at Dashrath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal tomorrow (Tuesday) evening. Prior to the second match, Bangladesh head coach Javier Cabrera addressed a pre-match press conference today (Monday), emphasizing the competitive nature of the first match and preparing the team for another intense encounter. He stated that the first match ended in a draw, but the team is aiming for a victory in the second match to motivate them for the October qualifiers against Hong Kong.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh was unable to field a full-strength team against Nepal in the first friendly match. The absence of overseas-based players, including Shamit Shome and Leicester City midfielder Hamza Dewan Choudhury, who suffered an injury, impacted the team’s performance. Additionally, Italy-based Fahamiedul Islam and Cuba Mitchell from Bashundhara Kings were unavailable due to their commitments with the under-23 team in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Vietnam.
Bangladesh faces crucial matches in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Hong Kong in October. After drawing with India and losing to Singapore, these upcoming qualifiers are pivotal for the team. Cabrera’s focus is on enhancing the players’ confidence by securing a positive outcome against Nepal before the Hong Kong matches.
Following a goalless draw with Bangladesh in the first friendly match, Nepal’s winless streak extended to four games. They are now eager to regain their winning form. Meanwhile, a Bangladesh Football Federation press release revealed that the Bangladesh team’s scheduled practice session at the match venue was postponed due to unavoidable circumstances, leading to an indoor session in the afternoon.
Bangladesh squad: Sujon Hossain, Mehedi Hasan, Rahmat Mia, Topu Barman, Mohammad Ridoy, Jamal Bhuyan, Md Taj Uddin, Arif Hossain, Md Sahriar Emon, Rakib Hossain, Md Foysal Ahmed Fahim, Md Abdullah Omar, Mitul Marma, Tariq Kazi, Papon Singh, Md Sohel Rana, Sohel Rana, Md Isa Faysal, Mohammad Ibrahim, Sumon Reza, Syed Shah Quazem Kirmanee, Md Saad Uddin, and Pappu Hossain.