Zahid Hasan Ameli is eager to play for Bangladesh football team again after returning to the national training camp following an eight-month hiatus yesterday.
The national side began their camp ahead of the Asian Football Confederation Cup Qualifiers Play-off against Bhutan on October 10 away in Thimphu.
A total of only 12 players among the 33-member preliminary squad joined the camp on the opening day, including Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra's veteran striker Ameli, who was out with injury. Ameli made only one starting appearance for his club in the league this season.
Belgian head coach Tom Saintfiet will have to wait one more day to get his full squad as the most of the players are involved with their respective clubs in the league. Chittagong Abahani, who played against Team BJMC in Sylhet yesterday, have eight players in the national squad while Arambagh Krira Sangha have three. The remaining players are scheduled to return to the capital today and join the camp the following day.
The last time Ameli played for the national side was in the Bangabandhu Gold Cup in January this year. Since then, he has not been called up again due to injury and below-par performances. As Bangladesh are facing striker crisis, Saintfiet called up some experienced and young players like Ameli and Sarwar Zaman Nipu.
“If I have to play against Bhutan I must practice hard and convince the coach. We had many chances in the home match but couldn't utilise any. If I get the chance again it will a big responsibility for me and I'm confident that I will get goals against Bhutan,” Ameli told Dhaka Tribune yesterday.
Bangladesh played out a goalless draw against Bhutan in the first leg at home. Saintfiet has only one thing in mind. “Now our only target is to qualify for the next round. It is our sole focus for now. At any cost, either tie breaking, draw or win, we will have to qualify. This is now the only thinking of mine,” said the 43-year old coach, who joined Bangladesh in August this year.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
