Bangladesh receives double blow despite India win

Bangladesh men’s national team earned a creditable draw against strong India in their second group match of the ongoing SAFF Championship but they lost two players for next game in the process.

Bangladesh made an outstanding comeback at the Male National Stadium on Monday by a late equalizer despite playing with only 10 men as full-back Bishwanath Halder got a straight card in the 57th minute for a dangerous tackle.

Obviously the men in red and green will lose Bishwanath during their crucial encounter against hosts Maldives on Thursday. Bangladesh have earned four points from two games so far and a win in the game will boost their chances to reach the final significantly. 

Bangladesh will also not get the services of Rakib Hossain. The winger saw his second yellow card in as many matches in the tournament against India after getting one against Sri Lanka in their first match.

Both the players are crucial for the setup of Bangladesh coach Oscar Bruzon but the Spaniard may deploy Mohammad Ibarahim in place of Rakib and give Riyadul Hasan Rafi a chance to fill the void of Bishwanath.