After losing first match, Bangladesh is looking forward to restore some lost pride as they face visiting Maldives in the second of the two-match FIFA Friendlies scheduled to be held on Saturday evening, reports BSS.
The match will be held at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in the capital and Private Satellite Channel T-Sports will telecast the match live that kicks off at 6 pm.
Bangladesh must beat Maldives in the second match to save the series after the opening match ended in a disappointing way as the hosts conceded a narrow 1-0 defeat to the visiting Maldives side.
Despite taking control of almost the possession and creating numerous attacking chances, Bangladesh's inability to capitalise on these chances left them frustrated and ultimately they left the field with empty handed.
The result not only frustrated Javier Cabrera's side but also the local fans, who came to the stadium to support the Bangladesh side.
In the second match, Bangladesh will have a chance to prove that they can translate possession into goals and build on their positive approach from the first match. When the hosts return to the match venue, they should be keen to leave this frustration behind, focusing on response in front of their home crowds.
Maldives, on the other hand, scored the lone goal early in the match with Maldives' unmarked Ali Fasir finding the back of the net in the 18th minute through a well-taken header from a free-kick, giving no chance to Bangladesh custodian Mitul Marma under the bar.
After the defeat, Bangladesh head coach Javier Cabrera hinted to fight back in the second match.
The red and green jersey holders are undoubtedly focusing on sharpening their finishing. While Bangladesh's fighting attitude in terms of possession and opportunities provided a positive foundation, it's clear that their inability to convert chances was a glaring issue in the first match.
On the other hand, the result of the first match was a proud moment for Maldives coach Ali Suzain, who must be expecting the same performance against Bangladesh in the second match.
Bangladesh and the Maldives have played nineteen matches against each other since 1984, Bangladesh winning six, drawing six, and losing seven. Bangladesh is currently ranked 185th in the world, while the Maldives is ranked 163rd.
Bd-Pratidin English/ Afsar Munna
