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BSP-13
FOOTBALL-BD-NEP-PREVIEW
Bangladesh aim to wrap up series against Nepal
DHAKA, Nov 16, 2020 (BSS) – After a magnificent 2-0 victory in the first friendly match, high flying home side looking forward to wrap up the series as they face visiting Nepal in the second and final encounter of the ‘Mujib Barsho’ FIFA International friendly series scheduled to be held tomorrow (Tuesday) at Bangabandhu National Stadium (BNS).
State-owned Bangladesh television telecasts the match live while Bangladesh Betar will provide the live commentary of the match that kicks off at 5 pm under the flood light.
Bangladesh already leading the two-match series 1-0 and only a draw will be enough for the host to clinch the series. On the other hand, it will be a do or die match for Nepal following their first match defeat against Bangladesh. The Himalayans will try heart and soul to fight back in the second match to save the series.
The national football team last won the International Tournament title in 2003 in SAFF Championship and after that Bangladesh team has not been able to see the trophy for a decade and a half is running. Bangladesh could not win any trophy in SAFF championship after 2003 as well as the trophy of prestigious Bangabandhu Gold Cup.
In the last SAFF Championship held in 2018 at the same venue, Bangladesh’s SAFF mission was crushed by Nepal while in this year’s Bangabandhu Gold Cup Bangladesh lost to Burundi by 3-0 margin in the semifinals.
However, it would not be right to compare the title of a friendly match with a prestigious SAFF title, even then the importance of FIFA friendly match trophy is not less.
The Bangladesh Football Federation dedicated the two-friendly series in the name of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. So, the series has been named ‘Mujib Barsho’ FIFA International Friendly series. So, it’ll be a great opportunity for Jamal Bhuyan and Co. to make the series memorable by winning the trophy.
The much-expected victory of the first match was a cry needed for the Bangladesh team to boost up their moral strength because this victory will inspire them to play more good football in the next match. Not only that it will also give them courage to play fighting football against the mighty Qatar in their FIFA World Cup Qualifying round match to be held next month.
But there was a big shock for the Bangladesh team prior to the second match as their head coach Jamie Day was tested COVID-19 positive. A second COVID-19 Test of Day again conducted on Sunday last and the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is expected to get the test’s result today afternoon at 5 pm. If Jamie’s COVID-19 test result comes in negative, then Day will be with the team in the second match tomorrow.
However, the players do not want to dwell on this issue as they prepare for tomorrow’s second and final match. The Jamal Bhuyan and Co. believes that Day’s absence will not have an impact on the team because they are mentally strong and assistant coach Stuart Watkiss is communicating with Jamie and taking care of things in training.
In the first match, Nabi Newaz Zibon gave Bangladesh a deserving lead in the 10th minute and substitute Mahbubur Rahman Sufil sealed the victory for Bangladesh scoring the second goal in the 80th minute.
Team’s skipper Jamal Bhuyan must look forward to the same performance from the duo in the second match. There will also be unconditional support of the local football fans from the big bowl. The fans are ready to go to the field to encourage the Bangladesh team as they did in the first match.
On the other hand, the COVID-19 hit Nepal football team will miss the service of their some main stream players as like the first match. Eight players, including four of their first eleven players, were tested COVID-19 positive and their absence were evident in the first match of the series where Bangladesh mostly dominated the game.
The Jamal Bhuyan and Co. again will be trying to take this advantage in the second match against Nepal as the morally high Bangladesh team will take to the field with their full strength.
The BFF president Kazi Mohammad Salahuddin already announced the cash award of Taka ten lacs for Jamal and Co. after Bangladesh’s first match victory over Nepal and possibly more cash award is waiting for the booters if they are able to continue their winning trend against Nepal in the second match.
Meanwhile, the rates of ticket Taka 500 for VIP and Taka 100 for regular seats have been estimated for the second match. The tickets will be available from BFF Bhaban and Stadium area during the match day.
BSS/SG/FI/ 1500 hrs