Sports Reporter :
Bangladesh will face off India in their prestigious Group-C match of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup Qualifiers at the National Stadium in the capital today. Captain of Bangladesh team Jamal Bhuyan will lead his squad, while Captain of India team Gurpreet Singh Sandhu will lead his side. The match will kick-off at 8:00pm (Bangladesh Standard Time). Private satellite sports channel T Sports will telecast the match live from the big bowl. Bangladesh and India failed to qualify for the next round. Bangladesh and India earned two points each from their respective four matches.
Bangladesh played a goalless draw with India in their first Group-C match on March 25. Bangladesh lost to Singapore 1-2 goals in their second Group-C match on June 10. Bangladesh suffered a 3-4 goals defeat to Hong Kong in their third Group-C match on October 9. Bangladesh drew 1-1 with Hong Kong in their fourth match on October 14.
On the other hand, India lost to Hong Kong in their second Group-C match on June 10.
India drew 1-1 with Singapore in their third Group-C match on October 9. India lost to Singapore 0-1 in their fourth Group-C match on October 14.
Captain of Bangladesh Football team Jamal Bhuyan said, ” Our side are the best squad for this time. We have a good chance to defeat India. The match between Bangladesh and India is a passion. After this match there is a long gap for us to play international matches. We want to win the match to finish the year with a happy note. The win will not only boost up us but also positive for the spectators and Bangladeshi journalists.”
Jamal said, ” There is some problem in our defence. If India play attacking football we will get chance. Our midfielders and forward players are speedy booters. Rakib is now the most speedy footballer in the South Asia. If we can execute him he will break the tight defence of India.”
It is noteworthy that heartthrob of Bangladesh Hamza Choudhury played six matches for Bangladesh. The Bangladesh-origin Hamza Choudhury, who has played for Leicester City Football Club in English Premier League, has scored four goals wearing jersey of Bangladesh.
Bhuyan said, ” Hamza arrived here from abroad like me. There is a good understanding between us. If I feel any problem during any match, I consult with Hamza Choudhury. He scored against Hong Kong by a backvolley recently.”
After 2013 Bangladesh could not win against India.
Head Coach of India Khalid Jamil said, ” Bangladesh are good side. They have some quality players. We don’t take Bangladesh lightly.”
Though Bangladesh and India have no chance to play in the next round but Khalid Jamil gives emphasis to Tuesday’s match.
Jamil said, ” Tomorrow’s match is not a friendly match. It is a match of AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. We want to win the match.”
