Published on 08:48 AM, June 27, 2023

Tariq likely to miss Bhutan match

Tariq Kazi celebrates with fellow centre-back Tapu Barman following his goal during Bangladesh’s 3-1 win against Maldives in the SAFF Championship at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday. Photo: SAFF

Tariq Kazi was the centre of celebration of Bangladesh football team as the hotel staff, most of them from West Bengal, prepared a cake to celebrate Bangladesh's win over Maldives in SAFF Championship on Sunday night.

Tariq, who sustained an injury on left shin after giving Bangladesh a 2-1 lead, cut the cake amid huge cheer, but the centre-back had to spend most of the following day on bed and walked on a pair of crutches.

Though Rakib Hossain, who had also left the pitch with a cramp, attended the recovery session with the team at the Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd Sports Club ground, Tariq missed training and is likely to miss the team's last group match against Bhutan.

"We did not find any fracture on his shin and there is no pain, just a bit of swelling. He can't walk and the physio gave him a two-day rest. He will go through a test tomorrow [Tuesday]. I think he is likely to miss the match against Bhutan even though he wants to play," informed team manager Amer Khan.