Hosts aware of expectations

Bangladesh coach George Kottan wants to face India in the final too.

The Austro-Hungarian responded to a statement made by his Indian counterpart Stephen Constantine who said on Wednesday that he expected an Indo-Bangla final in the third South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship that begins at the Bangabandhu National Stadium today.

Speaking at a crowded press briefing yesterday on Bangladesh's preparation for the eight-nation meet, Kottan said that he had the squad together for two months and that had helped in bringing the team to a better shape.

Captain Rajani Kanta Barman, team leader Shawkat Ali Khan Jahangir and manager Sayeed Hasan Kanon were also present during the media conference.

"My team is in a good condition now and they have a better fitness level. The morale of the team is also very high since they are going to represent the nation on home soil after a long time. Everybody is determined to win the championship," said Kottan.

Kottan emphasised on the teamwork that has developed over the last couple of months.

"Except for the two weeks in Bhutan which I would term as waste of time, the rest six weeks have benefited the boys as they could groom as a team. We played two good matches in Myanmar and few practice matches at home that really helped us to assess the ability of the team," Kottan said.

Answering to another question, Kottan said that his initial goal was to reach the final. "We also want India in the final," declared Kottan when it was brought to his attention that Constantine expected Bangladesh as final opponents.

The gray-haired coach thought that the absence of Indian superstar Baichung Bhutia could prove as an advantage for his side provided the teams met in the final but warned that India still had lot of talented players.

Kottan revealed that he had almost decided on his starting XI excepting the forward line. The fitness of veteran striker Alfaz Ahmed continued to pose worries for the coach.

" The only problem I have at the moment is picking the two attackers who will feature in our 3-5-2 formation. Alfaz is still not fully fit. I may have to select the two from Moni, Kanchan and Uzzal.

"When Alfaz joined the camp two months ago, he was in no shape. Although I have improved his fitness level but he is still struggling for form. I am very doubtful whether he can make it to the first team."

Kottan also disclosed that Aminul would be his first choice under the bars. Captain Rajani assured that all his teammates were aware of their responsibilities in the tournament.

"We know what people expect from us. Everybody is mentally ready to take up the challenge. We have no other option but to win the trophy on own soil because Bangladesh have never won any international tournament at home," said Rajani.

Bangladesh will begin their SAFF Championship campaign with their Group B opener against Nepal tomorrow morning.