Booters limber up with creditable draw
Bangladesh national football team ended their run of practice matches to prepare for the Joint Qualifiers of the World Cup and Asian Cup with a 1-1 draw against CSKA Pamir Dushanbe at Hisor Stadium in Tajikistan yesterday.
Robiul Islam gave the boys in red and green the lead in just the third minute before Mabat Shoev negated Bangladesh’s advantage in the 28th minute, according to information provided by the Bangladesh Football Federation.
Mohammad Ibrahim whipped a cross from the right flank and Saad Uddin, playing as a striker, rose high but could not connect while Robiul, who struck a goal each against Cambodia and Laos, tapped in to give Bangladesh a lead.
Like the first practice match against FC Kuktosh, British coach Jamie Day yesterday gave all 23 players except goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico and midfielder Masuk Mia Jonny opportunities to play the match against CSKA Pamir, who finished sixth in the last edition of the Tajikistan Premier League.
The 39-year-old coach started the first half with goalkeeper Ashraful Islam Rana, defenders Yeasin Khan, Tutul Hossain Badsha, Sushanta Tripura and Bishwanat Gosh and midfielders Jamal Bhuiyan, Sohel Rana, Biplu Ahmed, Mohammad Ibrahim, Saad Uddin and Robiul Hasan before goalkeeper Shahidul Alam Sohel, Mamunul Islam, Nabib Newaj Jibon, Rahmat Mia, Yeasin Arafat, Riyadul Hasan, Arifur Rahman, Mahbubur Rahman Sufil, Matin Mia and Jewel came on in the second half.
“In line with the formation, the boys played well in both halves compared to the first practice match as the coach fielded two elevens in each half. The defending shape was good. They also exposed the opposition backline a few times. There were also some mistakes and Jamie talked to the players about those after the match,” said manager Satyajit Das Rupu over phone after the match.
Rupu also said that Bangladesh were denied a second goal in the first half when the CSKA Pamir goalkeeper made a goalline save, while striker Matin Mia and Arifur squandered two opportunities in the second half.
Coach Jamie Day is perhaps happy with the outcome, especially after losing the first practice match 2-1. He will now outline his game strategy and possible playing eleven for the September 10 match against Afghanistan, who were scheduled to face Qatar last night while Bangladesh’s two other groupmates -- India and Oman -- were scheduled to play their first match last night.