Shantoo happy with performance

Bangladesh striker Zahid Hasan Emily (L) is mobbed by teammates after scoring in their opening SAFF Championship game against Bhutan at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday. Photo: STAR

Striking duo Enamul Haq and Zahid Hasan Emily carried their domestic form to the international level as Bangladesh got off to an emphatic 4-1 win over Bhutan in their Group B opener of the Bangabandhu SAFF Championship at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
Abahani striker Enamul struck a brace, his Sky Blues partner Pranotosh Kumar and Mohammedan striker Zahid Hasan Emily struck one goal apiece to give Bangladesh their biggest win against Bhutan, a nation that never beat Bangladesh in all their previous meetings.
After the termination of Brazilian coach Edson Silva Dido, all attention was on new coach Shahidur Rahman Shantoo and the former Bangladesh goalkeeper passed his first exam with distinction, but the Bangladesh coach believes he has still a long way to go.
"I had been waiting for this moment since taking charge. The boys listened to my words and the result has come, but we still have to go a long way with two matches in hand," said Bangladesh coach Shahidur Rahman Shantoo at the post-match briefing.
"I am happy with the performance the boys showed and also happy to see both strikers go to the destination," said shantoo after the match.
"We worked with them separately after each practice session," Shantoo said. "I know, they made some mistakes today. I will sit and talk with them and try to rectify the mistakes in our next two matches because Sri Lanka and Pakistan are strong opponents."
Explaining the reason behind fielding five defenders against the minnows, Shantoo said his strategy was to attack from the back as the opponents always gave attention on the forwards. I thought left-back Nasir did a fantastic job in the match overlapping his position, he added.
Bangladesh were hardly threatened by Bhutan strikers and sometimes it seemed that the hosts got tired.
Bhutan coach Koji Kyotoku said Bangladesh deserved the victory.
"The game was very tough and difficult and Bangladesh played attacking football and won the game.
"Our boys were nervous from the beginning as Bangladesh launched a lot of attacks and we could not catch them throughout the game," said Koji.
Koji also said that their hopes almost have dimmed as they would have to play against tough opponents Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

TEAMS
BANGLADESH: Aminul Haq, Nasiruddin, Rajani Kanta Barman, Ariful Islam, Wali Faisal, Atiqur Rahman Mishu, Mamunul Islam (Arman Aziz), Pranotosh Kumar (Zahed Parvez Chowdhury), Mehdi Hasan Ujjal (Shadedul Islam), Enamul Haq and Zahid Hasan Emily.
BHUTAN: Leki, Pema, Kinley Warigchuk, Sangay Khandu, Tandin Tshering (Chencho), Passang Tshering, Kinley Dorji (Dawa Gyeltshen), Chimi Dorji, Karun Gurung, Nawang Dendup, Sonam Tenzin.
Yellow cards: Karun Gurung (Bhutan)