Booters eyeing 2nd round
After Bangladesh's brilliant victory against Afghanistan in the group opener followed by the draw between favourites Uzbekistan and Hong Kong, the players are dreaming of making it to the 16-team second round of the Asian Games for the first time.
With the initial target of beating Afghanistan achieved, the players are resolute about qualifying for the knock-out stages.
“We all wanted to post a win out of the three matches, especially against Afghanistan. Now that we have achieved that target, our responsibility has become greater and expectation higher. Now we are more committed to our cause,” said captain Mamunul Islam at the athletes' village yesterday.
The booters only had a gym session in the morning following the victory and hanged about leisurely at the athletes' village in the afternoon.
The Bangladesh captain urged his teammates to prove themselves in the next matches and avail the opportunities to be part of Bangladesh's football history.
“There was a lot of talk regarding our commitment. We want to answer the critics through our performance,” said Mamunul. “I told my teammates it is time to prove that we are the best of our generation and we will be giving hundred per cent on the pitch.”
Mamunul, also captain of Sheikh Jamal DC, believes Bangladesh are not a team to be ranked 170th in the FIFA rankings, rather Bangladesh should be somewhere around 120.
“If we can play 20 to 25 international matches per year, we will certainly go up to 120th position in the FIFA rankings, but unfortunately we don't get to play too many international matches,” said the lad from Chittagong.
Like his captain, striker Wahed Ahmed is also eager to celebration second round qualification.
“Our first target has been achieved and we are now looking forward to securing a place in the second round. I think the stalemate between Uzbekistan and Hong Kong gives us hope and a draw out of the next two matches may put us in the knockout stage,” said Wahed, whose pass set up Mamunul for the decisive goal against Afghanistan.
“We are really encouraged with the win and we are looking to snatch a point from Uzbekistan and full three points against Hong Kong,” said the Mohammedan striker.
Bangladesh will play against Uzbekistan on September 18 and Hong Kong on September 22.
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