Need to be sharper, fitter against Afghans, says Jamal

Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuiyan said the team have learnt from the mistakes in the practice matches, and are confident ahead of their 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asia Cup joint qualification match against Afghanistan Tuesday.

“We have played two friendly matches so far as preparation for the big match Tuesday. Playing these two games have been good for the team,” said Jamal. 

Jamal mentioned the players’ eagerness to improve.

He said, “We lost the first game but we have learnt a lot about ourselves. We learnt that we have to be sharper, fitter. In the second match, we played okay,” said the Saif Sporting Club midfielder.

“I think the coach knows who to play and who not to play, and what formation to play on the 10th.  I think it is vital because it is the biggest match of the year so far,” he added.

More information about Afghanistan is available now after they began their journey with a 6-0 defeat against Asian champion and 2022 World Cup host Qatar Thursday night.https://t.co/YUpRj4PtXj#FOOTBALL #BANGLADESH #BFF #BANGLADESHFOOTBALL #AFGHANISTANFOOTBALL #AFGHANISTAN

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) September 6, 2019

The players are working hard prior to the all-important clash. 

Jamal said, “The practice games have been good, we have learnt from the mistakes. We have talked with the coaches, and we players have talked among ourselves to find out what we can do better next time. So overall, it has been very good. The boys are working very hard and are dedicated to play well Tuesday.”

Jamal also mentioned that the decision to pick the best XI lies with the coach. 

“Everybody wants to play, but only XI can; it’s up to the coach to pick the best XI,” he said.