Booters reach Kathmandu
Bangladesh national football team's captain Mamunul Islam (L) speaks with teammate Zahid Hossain at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport prior to their departure for Nepal yesterday morning. PHOTO: STAR
The Bangladesh national football team reached Kathmandu yesterday at around 11:45am Bangladesh time after leaving an hour earlier by a Bangladesh Biman flight. The team is staying at the Everest Hotel, the official hotel for the teams, informed a Bangladesh Football Federation official from Kathmandu.
The booters will have their first practice session today, four days before the start of the SAFF Championship.
Skipper Mamunul Islam, who is nursing a slight injury to his knee, is expected to take part in today's training.
“I am feeling much better now as the pain is easing,” said Mamunul on the eve of their departure for Nepal yesterday.
“We have worked very hard. If everyone can do their jobs, we can achieve success. But the first match against Nepal will be like a final as it may decide our fate in the competition,” added Mamunul.
“The group is tough but we are confident about doing well. If we can make it through the group stages, we have a great chance of reaching the final. The first match will be a big match for us,” said striker Wahed Ahmed, who is in good scoring form.
Bangladesh take on Nepal in the opening match of the competition at the Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu on August 31. Bangladesh's second match is on September 3 against defending champions India and their last group match is on September 5 against Pakistan.
Pakistan have already had their first practice session yesterday, having reached Nepal on the previous day. India will reach Nepal tomorrow.
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