Jamal keen to help revive Kolkata Mohammedan’s glory
The Bangladesh football team captain Jamal Bhuiyan said he enjoys a healthy rivalry with the Indian team in the international arena and feels a special motivation when it comes to playing against India.
"It's always special to play against India because India is like an elder brother to Bangladesh. And you always want to beat your elder brother when you play against him," Jamal, who will play for Mohammedan Sporting in the upcoming I-League of Indian football, said in an interview to the All India Football Federation.
Jama recalled the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier that was played in Kolkata last year. The midfielder said that the entire Bangladesh team were charged up ahead of the game.
"That day I sensed a different atmosphere in our camp when I woke up. Everybody wanted to do well against India.
"Right from the morning, we were cheering each other up, telling everyone to pick up the essentials, do our morning stretches properly and be ready for the game. That match meant a lot to us," the midfielder said.
Jamal had played a crucial role in the game. He was not only carrying out his duties as a midfielder but was also marking his Indian counterpart ace striker Sunil Chhetri.
"Sunil is an icon and a legend in India. He has scored many international goals, so we always had our eyes on him. The coach and I spoke about the game and he told me, 'you have to stop Sunil'," recalled Jamal.
"So, I was focusing on not letting him get any chances. Whatever move he made, I went with him. My job that day was to cut him off from the rest and frustrate him." While Jamal kept Chhetri in check, he also provided the assist for Saad Uddin from a free-kick.
India responded via Adil Khan in the second half as the match ended in a draw.
"Some of the fans recognized me when we were going around the city (Kolkata) after the game. They came to me and told me about how well I had played. I was quite taken aback," he says.
Jamal said he is keen to help the Kolkata outfit win the I-League and revive its glory days.
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