BFF Names Challenge Cup and SAFF Squad

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) yesterday announced a 28-member preliminary national football squad for the two upcoming international football tournaments.

Bangladesh will take part in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifying round matches to be held from May 5 in Kyrgyzstan and the SAFF Championship from June 3, to be held jointly in Sri Lanka and Maldives.

The selected footballers have been asked to report to coach Abu Yousuf at the BFF Bhaban on March 27.

Preliminary squad for AFC Challenge Cup and SAFF Championship:

Aminul Haque, Biplob Bhatachariya, Ziaur Rahman, Hasan Al Mamun, Wali Faisal, Ariful Islam, Rajani Kanta Barman, Arup Kumar Boydha, Atiqur Rahman Mishu, Mahmudul Hasan, Kazi Mozammel Hossain Saikat, Zahirul Islam, Arman Aziz, Enamul Haq Sharif, Maruf Ahmed, Zumratul Hossain Mithu, Faisal Mahmud, Zahid Hasan, Zahid Pervez Chowdhury, Mohammad Kabir Hossain, Mobarak Hossain Bhuiyan, Kollal Kumar Ghose Zuku, Mamunul Islam Mamun, Mehdi Hasan Uzzal, Abul Hossain, Mohammad Robin, Zahid Hasan Emily, Abdul Baten Mujumder Komol.

Bangladesh Face Afghanistan in AFC Challenge Cup Opener

Bangladesh will play their AFC Challenge Cup qualifying round opening game against Afghanistan at the Bishkek Central Stadium in Kyrgyzstan on May 5.

Laos and hosts Kyrgyzstan are the other teams pitted in Group C along with Bangladesh.

In the remaining group matches, Bangladesh will play Laos on May 7 and Kyrgyzstan on May 9 at the same venue.

Bangladesh hosted the 16-team inaugural AFC Challenge Cup, a tournament for the emerging Asian nations, in 2006 and made an early exit by losing to champions Tajikistan 1-6 in the quarterfinal at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Pictures from Abu Yusuf Press Conference

Here are some pictures from yesterday's press conference, in which Abu Yusuf was introduced to the media. You can't tell that Bangladesh football has been sponsored by Nokia, can you? Enjoy...

Abu Yusuf, the newly appointed Head Coach of the Bangladesh national team speaking to journalists at the press conference.

Abu Yusuf exchanging the contract with BFF Acting GS Mr Manzoor Hossain.

From the left: BFF acting general secretary Mr Manzoor Hossain, BFF President Mr S A Sultan, Md Abu Yusuf, Head Coach, Golam Rabbani Choton, Assistant Coach of the Bangladesh national team.

Former International to Coach National Team

Abu Yusuf will coach the national football team in the two coming international tournaments, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) confirmed yesterday.

The former national centre-back, who has the experience of guiding age-group national teams at under 17, 19 and 23 levels, will be given a contract today to serve for the AFC Challenge Cup and the SAFF Championship.

Yusuf, who had the charge of the national boys back in 1998 for a friendly tournament in Qatar, succeeds Indian coach Syed Nayeeumiddin who was originally recruited by the BFF for the SAFF tournament.

Nayeemuddin was let go by the BFF in October after the regional event was deferred.

It will be the first time Bangladesh will compete in the South Asian football extravaganza under a local man after playing the first four editions under foreign coaches:

• Otto Pfister (Kathmandu, 1997)
• Samir Shakir (Goa, 1999)
• George Kottan (Dhaka 2003)
• Diego Cruciani (2005, Karachi)

There is strong belief that Yusuf's appointment was recognition for a coach whose match reading is perhaps the best in the country and who has done hard work for many years.

"There are many reasons that everyone relies on foreign coaches. Maybe the authority feels safe with them. I am happy that I have got this chance," said Yusuf, who has coached all the big teams like Mohammedan, Abahani and Muktijoddha with success but every time was shown the door midway through a campaign.

"Yes, it's a sort of challenge but I don't have a magic wand to change everything overnight. Still I believe that it's possible to get success at this level," he hoped.

Yusuf, who fell out with Muktijoddha officials during last year's inaugural professional league, took charge of Senior Division side Victoria this year and once again proved his guile by taking the team to second place at the end of the first leg.

"I feel there is still enough time to prepare for the SAFF Championship, provided I get help of all the quarters," he added.

With less than three months to go for the SAFF Championship in Sri Lanka and Maldives, Yusuf will have to start training pronto.

"A lot will also depend on the conditions of the players because they would be coming after the off-season. It would be better if we pick up a small squad for starter," said the former international who wants to pick his lot.

"I would like to pick my team because if I fail, I will have to shoulder all the responsibilities. However, sometimes other eyes are helpful because a coach might miss someone.

"Its true we have limited facilities but I want to squeeze the maximum practice out of it because the AFC Challenge Cup is a tough tournament for us."

Bangladesh are pitted against hosts Kyrgyzstan, Laos and Afghanistan in the Challenge Cup qualifiers to be held from May 5-10 and face Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bhutan in the group stages of SAFF soccer in Colombo from June 3-14.

When asked whether he would consider recently retired players or those who chose not to play under past coaches, Yusuf said he would go for the best team.

"I mean not those players who were at their peak two years ago. I will pick those who are in form and fitness now."

More Pictures from Nokia-Bangladesh Deal

Here are two more pictures of the exciting Nokia deal, that was announced on Monday. Nokia became the Exclusive Sponsor of the Bangladesh National Football Team for the first time in Bangladesh football history. Click on the pictures to enlarge.

BFF acting general secretary Mr Manzoor Hossain exchanging files with Nokia Emerging Asia Ltd managing director Mr Prem Chand.

From the left: BFF communication manager Ahmed Sayed Al Fatah, BFF acting general secretary Mr Manzoor Hossain, BFF vice president Mr Abdur Rahim, BFF President Mr S A Sultan, Nokia Emerging Asia Ltd managing director Mr Prem Chand, Nokia marketing Manager Mr M Nowfel Anower & Mr Sirajul Islam Bachchu.

I guess credit must go to the Bangladesh Football Federation, they have finally done something positive in a long time. Well done, BFF.

Nokia Associates Itself to Bangladesh National Team

World's leading cellular phone makers Nokia yesterday officially announced their association with the Bangladesh national football team.

It agreed to the offers of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) to support the national team for the two coming international tournaments, the AFC Challenge Cup and the SAFF Championship.

Although the two parties claimed that an agreement has been signed, it would need confirmation of the higher authority, which is expected to be finalised within a week. However, the Nokia and BFF officials were reluctant to disclose any financial details.

It has been reported that the Finnish mobile giants will spend about Tk 14 lakh behind the top footballers of the country in the initial stage.

"We are happy to have Nokia with us. But we won't give you the financial details for the sake of football," said BFF president SA Sultan at a press conference at the BFF Bhaban yesterday.

The future relationship between Nokia and the BFF, however, will depend on how good a mileage it gets from its involvement with Bangladesh football. If things go the right way, Nokia will get involved in development programmes into the grassroots, especially at school level.

"The world loves football and the Bangladeshis are no exception. And we at Nokia take pride in having our logo and name being carried by the team while they represent not only the country but the love of game," said Prem Chand, managing director of Nokia Emerging Asia.

He said that the organisation would consider the 'suck and taste' method in this regard, meaning that it will stick to Bangladesh football if benefited from the involvement.

"I have seen young boys play football in the villages and also the craze during the World Cup football. Nokia wants to utilise this passion for football," Prem Chand added.

BFF vice presidents Abdur Rahim and Sirajul Islam Bachchu, acting general secretary Manzoor Hossain Malu and Nokia's marketing manager Nowfel Anower were also present.

The national team will get financial support and use the Nokia logo on their gear although they would not be allowed to show the sponsor's name on their jersey during matches.

Bangladesh will take part in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers from May 5-10 in Kyrgyzstan where they face Laos, Afghanistan and the hosts. Only one team from a group will reach the finals, which is expected to be hosted by India, one of the four automatic qualifiers.

In the 5th SAFF Football Championship, 2003 winners and 2005 runners-ups Bangladesh are pitted against hosts Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bhutan in the group stages to be played in Colombo.

The SAFF Championship will be hosted jointly by Sri Lanka and Maldives from June 3-14.

SAFF 2008 Draw

Today in Paradise Island Resort of Maldives, the SAFF 2008 draw took place in the presence of the eight SAFF countries representatives. Acting General Secretary Mr Manzoor Hossain, representated Bangladesh in the Draw ceremony along with Mr Sirajul Islam Bachchu (SAFF General Secretary & BFF Vice President). The grouping are as follows:

Group A: India, Maldives, Pakistan, Nepal
Group B: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afgsnistan, Bhutan.

Prize Money:
Champion - $50,000
Runner Up - $25,000
Semifinalists - $10,000

The match schedule is not yet finalised. Sri Lanka & Maldives are the joint host for hosting the 5th SAFF Championship 2008.

Nannu's Death Mourned

Different organisations yesterday condemned the untimely death of renowned ex-national footballer Monawar Hossain Nannu.

One of the brightest stars in a glittering past for Bangladesh football, the midfielder who once strode the pitch like a titan, finally succumbed to his long battle with cancer.

He was pronounced dead at 8:30am yesterday morning, on his way to a hospital.

His namaaz-e-janaza was held at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, Sonali Otit and the Abahani ground.

He was 60.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee expressed their shock and sadness at the sudden demise of one of the country's biggest sportsman.

Abahani also bemoaned the death of one of her greatest sons. The midfielder who turned up for the Sky Blues between 1974-1982, enjoyed tremendous acclaim and was a fan favourite.

Abahani's arch rival Mohammedan Sporting Club and Sheikh Russell also expressed their grief at the death of a national award winner.

Bangladesh Sports Writers Association (BSWA) also expressed their regrets at the passing away of the man who won the 1974 BSWA Footballer of the Year prize.

He was laid to rest at the Mirpur Intellectual Martyrs Graveyard.

BFF Reveal 2008 Football Calendar

A total of 16 tournaments were approved by the Executive Committee of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) with the revival of the popular National Football League and the good old Pioneer League.

The BFF also gave a guideline to the B. League committee to complete the transfer of the second edition of the professional league by February after discussion with the participating clubs. Due to international commitment at national and club levels, the B. League committee might readjust its tentative schedule of April-August.

The national team will take part in the AFC Challenge Cup and the SAFF Championship in March and May respectively this year while B. League holders Abahani are due to play in the AFC President's Cup in April.

The top footballers will get the chance to warm up for the B. League with the Swadhinata Cup to be held in March while the Federation Cup is due for September and the NFL from October-December.

The BFF also extended the time for forming FAs at the six divisions till February 7. Meanwhile, Mojammel Haque Mukta has been named manager of the Under-19 football team which will take part in the 2nd Indo-Bangladesh Games, next month.

Tough Draw for Bangladesh

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) released Bangladesh's international football schedule for national and club teams for the early part of 2008.

The national team received a very tough draw for the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers, where they will have to face hosts Kyrgyzstan for a place in the finals. Bangladesh are also pitted against rather easier opponents Afghanistan and Laos in the Group C qualifiers, which will be held in Kyrgyzstan from May 5-10.

The four group champions will join automatic qualifiers DPR Korea, Turkmenistan, India and Myanmar in the final round. The venue and date of the finals have yet to be decided. The Group A matches will be played in Chinese Taipei, initially chosen as the venue of the second edition of the tournament but cancelled by the AFC for lack of facilities. Apart from the hosts, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Guam complete the group.

Philippines will host defending champions Tajikistan, Brunei and Bhutan in Group B while Nepal compete at home against Palestine, Cambodia and Macao in Group D.

The inaugural AFC Cup was held in Bangladesh, which has not even won the rights to host club matches. Abahani, the professional football league champions of the country, will have to travel to Kathmandu to play their Group A matches of the AFC President's Cup.

It will be the local giants' return to international football after a long time as they failed to win a berth in the previous AFC Cup tournaments. After the Bangladesh Football Federation's failure to send any team to last year's AFC Cup as there had been no competition in 2006, Bangladesh's rating declined as they were demoted to the lowest ranked tournament of the AFC.

The other teams to play in the Himalayan Kingdom from April 20-24 are former President's Cup champions Regar-Tadaz of Tajikistan and national league winners of hosts Nepal and Pakistan. The Group B comprises of holders Dordoi Dynamo of Kyrgyzstan, Nagacorp FC of Cambodia and Taiwan Power of Chinese Taipei who play in Taipei. Colombo will host Group C involving local side Ratnam SC, Asgabat of Turkmenistan, Bhutan Transport United and Kanbawza from Myanmar.

Bangladesh to Play AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers

Inaugural AFC Challenge Cup hosts Bangladesh will have to play in the qualifying rounds of the second edition of the event next year, the Bangladesh Football Federation confirmed on Wednesday.

Four qualifiers out of 16 contestants will join automatic choices Myanmar, DPR Korea, Turkmenistan and India in the final rounds to be played from July 30 to August 10, 2008. The 16 teams split into four groups - to be played at separate centralised venues - will vie for the qualifying spots between April 1 and May 15. Only the group winners will move ahead.

The hosts of the qualifiers and the finals will receive US dollars 20,000 per visiting team from the Asian Football Confederation while the touring side will also receive a similar amount as travel allowances. The AFC has yet to confirm qualifying and finals venues after Taiwan's disqualification for lack of facilities.

Footballers in Cox's Bazar

The national football team reached Cox's Bazar last night to begin the first leg of their three-month preparation for the SAFF Championship in December.

The booters, who left the BFF Bhaban yesterday at 9.30 am by bus, halted at Noakhali for lunch during a long journey.

The team will train for one month at the tourist resort near the country's southern tip before returning to the capital for the World Cup 2010 pre-qualifiers against Tajikistan in October.

The coaches will then select an under-23 squad for the Grand Royal Cup to be held in Myanmar in November before resuming training for the regional football festival, which will be jointly hosted by Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Although 33 footballers were named for the preliminary camp, some seniors, alarmingly, did not accompany the team.

Midfielders Abul Hossain and key striker Zahid Hassan Emily both requested the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) to allow them join the team a day later due to personal reasons while Mehdi Hassan Ujjal claimed that he was sick and advised by the team physician to rest for a few days.

BFF acting general secretary Manzoor Hossain Malu, who is also the chairman of the National Team Management Committee, however, informed that he did get any report from team doctor.

Veteran center-back and former captain Rajani Kanta Barman also will be late, said Malu adding that two senior players - Matiur Munna and Fereoz Mahmud Titu - did not even report to the BFF.

The footballers only returned this week after playing the Nehru Cup and the Merdeka Cup in India and Malaysia respectively.

Coach Hasanuzzaman Babloo accompanied the team while assistant coach Golam Jilani had left Dhaka a day early to make some arrangements.

Malu also informed that head coach Syed Nayeemuddin will return to Dhaka after a short vacation in India. The former Indian coach and international is expected to land in Dhaka this morning from Kolkata by a GMG flight. He will leave for Chittagong also today.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper and national captain Aminul Haque has refused to join the residential camp unless he is officially called.

The acting general secretary of BFF had asked him to enroll unofficially after coach Nayeemuddin showed his reluctance to include Aminul for missing an entire season through injury.

No Place For Alfaz

Alfaz Ahmed's return from retirement was short-lived as the veteran striker was dropped from the national team's preparatory camp for two tournaments this year and the World Cup pre-qualifiers.

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) yesterday called 33 footballers to join camp for this October's World Cup home and away pre-qualifiers against Tajikistan, the Grand Royal Cup in Myanmar where the Under-23 team will participate in November and the SAFF Championship in December.

Alfaz, who had announced his retirement from international football after the Asia Cup qualifiers in 2006, joined the camp for the Nehru Cup - which concluded in India last month - when he was picked by new coach Syed Nayeemuddin.

Alfaz, the fulcrum of the country's SAF Games (1999) and SAFF Championship (2003) winning teams, did not get a chance in the starting line-up of the first two games in the Nehru Cup in New Delhi but got back into the first eleven in the latter matches after the Bangladesh striking duo failed to deliver the goods.

Bangladesh scored just one goal in four matches and Indian coach Nayeemuddin, whose vacation has yet to be ended, kept his first choice striking pair of Emily and Robin in addition of Moni and rookie Rony Islam.

The BFF finalised the team after yesterday's teleconference among its acting general secretary Manzoor Hossain Malu, Hasanuzzaman Babloo who was coach of the Merdeka Cup side, assistant coach Golam Jilani and Nayeemuddin, who is now in Kolkata to obtain visa to return to Bangladesh.

"We discussed for a long time and Nayeemuddin took reports of the Merdeka Cup before finalising the list," said Malu yesterday.

The team will leave Dhaka tomorrow for Cox's Bazar to have a monthlong residential camp in the tourist resort.

"We are sending three coaches and a physio with the team, which will stay at the Diamond Rest House. It is very close to the Cox's Bazar Stadium where the team will train for one month," informed Malu.

The general secretary of Cox's Bazar DSA will co-ordinate the camp, to be run by Nayeem, Babloo and Jilani.

Although the squad include 33 members, goalkeeper Aminul Haque, who missed an entire season due to injury, will join unofficially.

"No doubt he is the number one goalkeeper of the country but Nayeem was reluctant as he did not see him play throughout the season. However, as the general secretary of the federation, I have used my power to take him to the camp," added Malu.

Aminul has recovered from injury and has been training for long.

Although press reports suggested that Sujan, country's top defender, was on the verge of his return to the national team, it was learned that his recovery from injury was not good enough for him to play even humbly for half an hour.

Muktijoddha's holding midfiel-der Maruf and Badda Jagarani midfielder Nasir are the new inclusions while Mohammed Rony, Akram, GM Mamun, Mamun Khan and Liton were ignored after not playing in the Nehru Cup or the Merdeka Cup.

The other noted omission was former international Parvez Babu while impressive rightback Ibnul Siraji once again failed to win the heart of the coaching panel despite Bangladesh showed incompetence at the right side of the backline in the Nehru Cup.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Biplab Bhattachariya, Ziaur Rahman Zia, MN Shakil, Mazharul Islam Himel.

Defenders: Hassan Al Mamun, Feroz Mahmud Titu, Atiqur Rahman Mishu, Rajani Kanta Barman, Nazrul Islam, Ariful Islam, Mahmudul Hassan, Jahirul Islam, Amit Khan Shuvra, Mofazzal Hossain Saikat, SM Rajib, Arafat Rony, Arup Baidya, Wali Faisal.

Midfielders: Mehdi Hassan Ujjal, Arman Aziz, Abul Hossain, Zahid Hossain, Zahed Parvez, Matiur Munna, Jumratul Islam Mithu, Mamunul Islam, Enamul Haque Sharif, Nasirul Islam Nasir, Maruf Ahmed.

Forwards: Mohammed Robin, Zahid Hassan Emily, Rony Islam, Saifur Rahman Moni.

About American Football

American football history is full of interesting matches and shocking results. A few months ago, the new orleans saints surprisingly qualified for the championship after losing a series of matches. Also, the new york giants played the patriots surprisingly tough in the going season. Definitely the upcoming championship will add more excitation to this.

Kyrgyzstan 3-0 Bangladesh

Kyrgyzstan tore apart an exhausted Bangladesh 3-0 yesterday to stay alive for a final berth in the Nehru Cup.

Vadim Herchenko was unstoppable and the winger exploited the tired legs of the Bangladesh defenders to set up a brace for Hurshid Lutfullaev and one goal for Ruslan Djamshidov, the striking duo who toured Bangladesh during the AFC Challenge Cup in April last year.

With two wins from three matches, Kyrgyzstan now face a must win situation against hosts India, who also have six points but enjoy a better goal difference.

Ruslan wasted an early chance against Bangladesh, who ended their campaign with three defeats in four games inside just seven days, retained the same line-up from their 1-1 draw against Cambodia two days earlier.

After the wake-up call, Syed Nayeemuddin's boys took brief control with strings of passes and Zahid Hossain hammered the ball inches wide from 30 yards in the 26th minute.

Two minutes later, makeshift rightback Ariful unnecessarily lingered with the ball and conceded a corner which helped Kyrgyzstan go ahead when Hurshid, crowded by three defenders, stabbed in a low cross by Herchenko.

Bangladesh's first shot on target, a freekick by Alfaz just after interval, went straight to goalkeeper Maxim.

A counter attack in 54th minute doubled the lead for the central Asians as Hurshid's diving header from seven yards on a right-flank centre by Herchenko gave Biplab no chance.

Three minutes later, Herchenko's attempted cross deflected off Rajani to Ruslan who made no mistake to shoot a left-footer on the turn into the low left corner of Biplab.

Emily came close twice in the last 15 minutes to reduce the arrears but the Bangladesh striker failed to nod a Rajani freekick before placing wide from a tight angle.

Bangladesh 1-1 Cambodia

Substitute Keo Kosal's 90th minute equaliser denied Bangladesh from a certain win in the Nehru Cup as they drew 1-1 with Cambodia at the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi yesterday.

The Cambodian striker, who almost scored level in the 82nd minute but saw his drive from 20 yards curl just out of the sidebar, stabbed the ball home from eight yards after the tired Bangladesh backline failed to stop a darting low cross by another substitute Sam Al Nesa from the right flank.

Abul Hossain had given Bangladesh a deserved lead on the half hour when his glancing header on a corner by Alfaz Ahmed gave Cambodian goalkeeper Oum Veasna no chance.

Bangladesh's Indian coach Syed Nayeemuddin made one change in the line-up from the sides that lost 2-0 to Syria and 1-0 to India by bringing in veteran Alfaz for Robin.

The striking duo, Alfaz and Emily, generated enough attacks but Bangladesh failed to capitalise on their superior ball possession.

Their first real chance came after 15 minutes when Emily played superb overhead pass for Alfaz who miskicked under pressure from a defender as Veasnapicke dup the ball comfortably.

Abul, adjudged man-of-the-match, then released Emily with a through from the midfield seven minutes later but the striker's first touch took the ball out of his control and allowed Veasna to clear for a corner.

Ariful, whose defensive errors cost Bangladesh three goals in the tournament in the first two games, then forced a superb save when his 40-yard lob was palmed over for a corner by Veasna.

The resulting corner put Bangladesh ahead as Abul, unmarked by the rival defence, put a free header into the far corner.

Veasna fumbled on two occasions in the last five minutes before the break but Bangladeshi forwards failed to take the rebounds.

Playing their third match inside five days, Bangladeshi booters showed tired legs immediately after the interval but Cambodia, who lost 4-3 to Kyrgyzstan in their opener, hardly threatened to score despite good runs on the break.

Bangladesh again picked up the tempo and Ariful's another long-range effort was spectacularly punched out by Veasna in the 71st minute.

Sam El Nasa took the first shot on the rival goal but Biplab was not disturbed at all but he had little to do when Kosal put a right-footer into the far corner on the brink of the final whistle.

Nayeemuddin admitted after the match that he was disappointed not to win the game.

"We made one mistake and paid for it. The defenders should have covered after going up but they failed. Anyway, I am proud of my players because they have played tremendously well," said Nayeem, whose boys take on Kyrgyzstan in their last match tomorrow.

"The players came ere just after a long league and here also, they are playing with the shortest possible gap," he added.

Syria and hosts India, who meet today, lead the round-robin league with six points after two outings each.

Kyrgyzstan have three points while Bangladesh, the only team to have played three games, and Cambodia are bottom of the table with one point each.

The top two teams will meet in the August 29 final.

India 1-0 Bangladesh

India defeated hardworking Bangladesh 1-0 to claim their second straight win in the five-nation Nehru Cup tournament on Monday.

Skipper Baichung Bhutia tapped in a loose ball from near the goal line in the fourth minute, handing Bangladesh a second defeat following their 2-0 reverse against favourites Syria.

Substitute Clifford Miranda then struck the cross-bar as India, 6-0 winners over Cambodia in their opener, attacked furiously in the second half without managing to score.

Bangladesh's Defensive Style Worry India

Bangladesh might have lost 0-2 in their opening match of the Nehru Cup International Football Tournament to title favourites Syria but their defensive approach is a matter of concern for India ahead of their encounter here Monday.

India captain Bhaichung Bhutia is apprehensive that it would be difficult for the hosts to score goals if the neighbours play a defensive game.

'Bangladesh played good defensive football in the first half against Syria. And if they continue playing the same game against us for the full 90 minutes then it would be really difficult for us to score goals,' said Bhutia, after the team's practice session at Janaki Devi Memorial College Sunday evening.

'They had seven players playing in the defence against Syria.'

Last time the two teams met was in the final of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup in Pakistan, where India defeated Bangladesh 2-0 to lift the trophy.

It was under Syed Nayeemuddin's guidance that India won the tournament. But in the following days the All India Football Federation (AIFF) sacked the veteran after the players allegedly revolted against his 'dictatorial attitude'.

Nayeem is now Bangladesh coach but he has maintained that revenge is not in his mind and said that he wants to see his wards giving 100 percent on the field.

'Every game is important for us and India is no different. I have always said that we play to win and against India it won't be any different. We will play attacking football,' he said.

Nayeem, the only sports personality in India to have received the Arjuna Award (as player) and the Dronacharya Award (as coach), admitted that his boys played defensive against Syria Saturday but added that he would change their mindset.

'The last match against Syria was a practice match for us because we didn't play much before coming to India. But, anyway, India will be tough especially after their 6-0 win against Cambodia,' said Nayeem, who was appointed as Bangladesh chief coach last month.

Nayeem might be reading much in India's convincing win over Cambodia. But India coach Bob Houghton is not reading too much in Bangladesh's loss to Syria.

'Bangladesh playing Syria and Bangladesh playing India are totally different. I thought they (Bangladesh) played very defensively but I expect them to come hard at us tomorrow,' said Houghton.

When asked whether he is aware of the rivalry between the two teams, Houghton said: 'You are asking the wrong person. I don't know about the enormity of the match but I was told about it yesterday.'

Bhutia, however, said that Nayeemuddin might have some strategy against his former team.

'He knows this (India) team very well as maximum of the boys have been coached by him. Nayeem Saab is well aware of the boys and I am sure that he will have some plans for us,' said Bhutia.

For India, N.P. Pradeep, who is down with injury, will be the only absentee from the starting line-up against Bangladesh and will be replaced by East Bengal mid-fielder Mehrajuddin Wadoo.

'We are looking forward to get Pradeep fit by Thursday for the match against Syria. Both Wadoo and Pradeep are a similar kind of players,' said Houghton.

Syria 2-0 Bangladesh

Bangladesh got off on the wrong foot as they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Syria in their opening Nehru Cup match at the Ambedker Stadium in New Delhi yesterday.

Syria struck both the goal in the second-half after an evenly competed first 45 minutes where Bangladesh looked a slightly better side.

Sporting green and white shirts, the boys of Nayeemuddin did well to keep the top-ranked side of the five-nation invitational tournament at bay in the first-half with tough marking. Moreover they created two half-chances on the break with first effort of left-back Titu missing the far post. Zahid then drove a 25-yard right-footer just over the bar.

Syria, who had earlier won their two previous meetings with Bangladesh, however quickly showed why they have been tipped as the team to beat in the meet. They put an extra attacker down the left side after the break and it gave them instant result.

Captain Maher Al Sayed opened the scoring in the 47th minute with a swerving right-footer that hit the left-hand corner of Biplob's post.

Zayed Chaabo then struck the second with a left-foot grounder from inside the box.

Bangladesh will take on hosts India tomorrow in their next match.

India won the tournament opener against Cambodia 6-0 on Friday.

Bangladesh Face Syria

Bangladesh will kick off their Nehru Cup campaign today when they take on favourites Syria at the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi in the second match of the tournament.

Zee Sports will telecast the match live from 7.30pm Bangladesh time.

The event got under way yesterday in the Indian capital with hosts India facing rank-outsiders Cambodia after President Pratibha Patil declared the five-team meet open.

Bangladesh have never beaten Syria - the highest ranked team in the tournament - but both their previous meetings in the 80s resulted in close shaves.

Syria, currently placed 113 in FIFA rankings, won 1-0 when they first met Bangladesh in Kuwait in the Asian Nations Cup in 1980.

The two sides were face to face again four years later in Indonesia in the Asian Cup qualifiers with the Syrians winning 2-1.

However, the two teams headed separate directions since then. While the Syrians have reached just behind the top Asian nations, Bangladesh have hardly impressed outside south Asian regional tournaments.

Bangladesh, under Indian coach Syed Nayeemuddin, have a new look team that would be the base of the SAFF Championship to be held this December.

Nayeemuddin, expected to exploit his familiar conditions to boost the team's performance on Indian soil, has picked four new faces in the squad after retirement of a few players and injury to number one goalkeeper Aminul and centre-back Sujan.

Senior striker Alfaz Ahmed, however, returned from international retirement to boost the squad, led for the first time by central defender Nazrul Islam.

Bangladesh, who reached New Delhi on Thursday, trained yesterday at the Zanki Devi Memorial College ground for a couple of hours and all the players were in sound condition, according to a message received in Dhaka.

Meanwhile, Syria were the first foreign team to arrive and got more time to get accustomed to the conditions.

They brought a relatively young side under coach Fajer Ibrahim, who has been in charge for the last two years.

They had to leave six key players back home with four preparing for this month's Beijing Olympics qualifier against Bahrain while two other Syrians were not released by their clubs in Kuwait and Jordan.

The Syrian team also have several under-23 players who participated in the Doha Asian Games last year.

Meanwhile, Nayeemuddin told Indian media on arrival that he has to live up to the reputation of being an Indian coach in a neighbouring country.

It was under Nayeem that India lifted the 2005 SAFF Championship beating Bangladesh in the final in Pakistan but this time the Dronacharya Award winner faces a much tougher challenge.

Agencies add: "I have always believed in playing to win and this won't be any different," the 60-year-old coach said.

Nayeem is the only person to have won both the Arjuna Award (as player) and the Dronacharya (as coach).

India might have tasted their last success under Nayeem, but the veteran coach was at the receiving end when players joined hands to protest against the coach's alleged dictatorial attitude.

Nayeem was sacked unceremoniously but he now maintains that he has no hard feelings against the players or the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF).

"I am a sportsman and I take all these things sportingly. They (players) are a part of me and I have no hard feelings for them. These things keep happening in a sportsperson's life," he said philosophically.

"Here nothing is new for me. It's my country and I will also be playing at the same old stadium."

When asked if revenge against India is on his mind this time, Nayeem smiled and said: "I have come here to win the hearts of my people."

'The match against Syria will be the first big test for us and then we have to take it one game at a time,' said Nayeem.

He has also promised his wards a treat at the famous Karim's restaurant in the walled city if they perform well in the tournament.

While interacting with media persons, Nayeem saw current India coach Bob Houghton pass by and rushed forward to greet the Englishman.

"I am looking forward to learning from you for the sake of Bangladesh team, if you are not selfish," Nayeem jokingly told Houghton, who smiled in return.

Booters Leave Today For Nehru Cup

Syed Nayeemuddin returns to his homeland with a completely different role he had played in the past.

The former Indian international and coach, who guided India to win the SAFF Football Championship twice including the previous title in 2005, will be up against his home team when he leads Bangladesh in the five-nation Nehru Cup which kicks off on Saturday.

Bangladesh football team will fly for New Delhi today without any particular target, as said by Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) president SA Sultan in yesterday's press conference at the BFF Bhaban.

"We have no target in the two tournaments," said Sultan referring to the Merdeka Cup in Malaysia, where the BFF is sending a second-string national team.

"We want to finish with honour in the two events and hope to build a good team for the SAFF Championship," Sultan told.

Bangladesh play pre-tournament favourites Syria in their opener before meeting India, Cambodia and Kyrgyzstan in the league matches.

Nayeemuddin, showing no emotion about returning to India and the prospect of facing a team he had built before being relieved of charge, said 'fighting all the way' is his target apart from improving day by day.

Having picked up his side just over two weeks earlier, the preparation at BKSP was hampered by heavy showers and unplayable conditions. And the coach feels lack of combination and understanding might be their main worry in the prestigious tournament.

"That's certainly a drawback. I would have liked to see the players involved in practice matches, but you can't fight against the nature, we have to overcome this limitation in the future.

"You have to groom the players properly. Saudi Arabia sent their youth teams to Brazil for training. Moroccan youngsters visits Holland, it's like an investment, which we don't have here," he said adding that sponsors must come forward to stand beside the national teams.

"My motto is to fight and fight. Those who represent Bangladesh have the motivation to do that and I have told them not to fear whatever opponents they are facing. We don't want lose before the match begins," told Nayeemuddin.

"You can be successful if you play as a team and implement your abilities. We may win we may lose but the focus would be to play the level best.

"Also, without discipline, success is impossible. So I will try my best to maintain that during the trip."

Responding to the strong criticism of BFF's decision to send two national teams to different tournaments, Nayeemuddin said there was little difference between the two sides.

"Both teams are equally strong and both are Bangladesh national teams. The level of motivation is similar for players. There is no use drawing a line between the two," Nayeem added.

First time chosen to lead the national team, Abahani centre-back Nazrul Islam said that the main advantage of the team could be playing the tournament just after the professional football league.

"We come straight from the field after the six-month long B. League and the fitness level is good," said Nazrul, the steadiest performer of the season.

"In the national camp, the coach went step by step. He felt that as we have played a lot of football, our muscles were weaker and he initially emphasised on power training before we began to work with the ball," he said.

Like the coach, the new captain also felt the lack of match practice.

"We have a number of newcomers. It would be better if we could play a few matches," added Nazrul whose side played just one match at BKSP against the local youth team.

The team for Merdeka Cup, under coach Hasanuzzaman Babloo, will leave for Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.

About American Football

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