Dhaka, February 24: National coach Lodewijk de Kruif expressed confidence about putting a good show in the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers scheduled to kick-off at Kathmandu Nepal from March 2nd. The Dutch head coach was speaking at the pre-tour presser at the BFF House on Sunday. “I have conducted four practice sessions with the national team and I had a good impression about the players. I think I have established a good communication with the players and made them understand what they want and what I want. I have found determination in all the players, they are happy and willing to fight, I think the players and we are a team and we will fight in the middle with what we have” said de Kruif. About his target de Kruif was realistic. “In Nepal we have to a face a few tough opposition, Palestine is a tough opponent and Nepal is going to have the home advantage, I think the players are real sportsmen and we want to achieve something, we are not going to Nepal as tourists. Palestine is the favourite and recently they beat India 4-2 and I think they played a good match, Nepal at home will also be a difficult opponent and nobody knows anything about Northern Mariana Islands, my opinion is not to underrate any opponent” thought the Dutch man. The absence of attacking duo of Zahid Hasan Emily and Jahid Hossian was felt. “Yes, Emily and Jahid are not in the team but I can’t do anything about the injury, I think all my 23 players are good, we have got a few youngsters who will be eager to show their worth in the top level. Let’s see what they do” said De Kruif. BFF vice president Tabith Awal, assistant coach Syed Golam Jilani, captain Md. Shujon and vice capain Mamunul Islam Mamun and general secretary Abu Naeem Shohag were also present on the occasion. The national squad flies to Kathmandu on Monday. The SquadGoalkeepers- Mamun Khan. Ziaur Rahman and Shahidul Alam Sohel. Defenders- Md. Shujon (Captain), Waly Faisal, Mamun Miah, Rayhan Hasan, Atiqur Rahman Mishu, Md. Linkon, Nasiruddin Chowdhury. Keshto Kumar Bosh. Midfielders- Maruf Ahmed, Pranotosh Kumar Das, Mamunul Islam Mamun (vice captain), Shakil Ahmed, Abdul Baten Majumdar Komol, Jamal Hossain, Sohel Rana, Sheikh Alamgir Kabir Rana, Mejbabul Haque Manik. Forwards-Mithun Chowdhury, Toklis Ahmed, Shakhawat Hossian Rony
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