Sheikh Jamal face Selangor

Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club are looking forward to bouncing back from back-to-back defeats in the AFC Cup as they host Malaysia's Selangor FA in their Group E encounter at the Bangabandhu National Stadium today. The match will get underway at 6:30pm.

Sheikh Jamal are at the bottom of the four-team table without a single point and they have seemingly no alternative but to secure full points against Selangor FA, who have earned one point from two matches, if they are keep their chances of qualifying for the 16-team second round alive.

Though Sheikh Jamal conceded two goals against Ceres La Salle of Philippines in their previous home match, their defenders played relatively better compared to the match against Tampines Rovers. However, the cohesion in midfield was missing which resulted in the ineffectiveness of the attackers.

The suspension of centre-back Yeasin Khan is a further blow, but the three-time Bangladesh Premier League champions need all three departments to come up with better performances.

“Though Selangor FA lost one and drew one match, but they have ability to perform better than what they did in previous matches. We, however, want to bounce back in our third match.

“We have our backs against the wall. From what I have seen in the training camp, the players are regretful for two defeats and they want to do something and I am hopeful that they will play against Selangor with hundred percent motivation,” hoped Sheikh Jamal coach Shafiqul Islam Manik at the pre-match conference at the BFF House yesterday.

Manik, however, warned his charges not to repeat the silly mistakes and not to concede early goals to squander the chance to win.

Manik's counterpart, Zainal Abidin Bin Hassan, is also upbeat about tasting their first victory in three matches, but he believes the match will be a tough one as they will have to play at the opposition's homeground. 

“We have collected one point from two matches, but the chance is still open provided we play well and get three points. The home team also badly needs three points, so the match will be tough for both teams,” Zainal said, adding that they are confident but not overconfident.

“We are not underestimating the home team. Although we are under pressure, the players need to be mentally strong. We know we have a much better side, but in football if you do not score you lose,” said Zainal.