'Happy with substitute appearances'
Bashundhara Kings forward Matin Mia said he has no qualms about sitting in the bench if his super-sub appearances are good enough to win his side important matches.
The national team forward scored the all-important goal for his side in the fifth minute of extra time of the final of the Independence Cup last night after coming on as a substitute in the 17th minute of the second half. Although he got a bit lucky as his national teammate Biplu Ahmed lost possession rather easily inside the box, there is no doubt about the quality of the strike.
The promising forward curled the ball in at the far post with a sweet strike, topping the two exquisite goals at either end earlier in the first half.
“If I can give my best as a change, then I'm fine with substitute appearances. If my coach thinks I can do better this way, I'm fine with that. No matter how much time I spend on the pitch, I try to give my 100 per cent ,” Matin said after the final.
Bashundhara Kings coach Oscar Bruzon gave plaudits to Matin, who scored three goals in the Independence Cup and three in the Federation Cup, five of those as substitutes.
“We knew we had fresh legs at the bench who could make an impact towards the end. And with his quality, Matin Mia brings something extra on the pitch,” said Bruzon.
Sheikh Russel coach Saiful Bari Titu, however, saw the goal as a gift from his side. The veteran coach rued the lack of a moment's concentration from Biplu after his side had kept the defence unbreached running up to the final.
“The first goal that we conceded was superb; the goalie had nothing to do. But the second goal was a gift. True Matin executed it well, but you don't give the ball away in that position like that,” Titu said. “In final matches, small mistakes can make the difference and that is what happened here.”
Comments