In form Bangladesh faces depleted Pakistan in a crunch match of group A of the Bangabandhu SAFF Championship at the Bangabandhu National Stadium at 7:00 pm today.

In the two SAFF Championship rivalries between the two countries Bangladesh have won both one in 1999 at Goa with a margin of 4-0 and 1-0 in Karachi on 2005.  

Bangladesh boosted their morale with a 4-1 win over Bhutan in their opener while Pakistan though dominating the scenario against Sri Lanka went down 0-1 to fall into the edge of elimination. Pakistan at least have to salvage a draw to remain alive the chance to reach semi-final in the eight team regional tournament. Bangladesh will seal a last four place if they win the crucial tie and will go one step further towards the semis with a draw.

Bangladesh attackers tormented Bhutan and kept them at the bay brandishing an attacking brand of football. Pakistan with their powerful built physique tried to impose the attacking instincts but lacked the finishing edge against Sri Lanka.

The attacking line of Bangladesh comprised with Emily, Enamul upfront and Uzzal, Mamunul in the midfield alongwith the constant overlapping of Nasir and Waly Faisal in the flanks formed a lethal combination. Pakistan on the other hand relied upon the skills of Arif Mehmood and Adnan Farook in the forward zone while Shabir Khan and substitute Reis Ashraf provided the thrust from the midfield.

Shahidur Rahman Chowdhury Shantoo, the Bangladesh coach, has asked his players to remain cool and calm ahead of the crucial tie. “The main thing is remain focused upon the task, the match against Bhutan was special as it was the first match of the meet and we passed it with distinction, but as a coach, I have to say that we still have to improve a in every department, the journey has just started and the destination is still far away.” said Shantoo.

Shantoo dubbed Pakistan as strong opponent than Bhutan. “They are fit and well built, they play on a speedy counter attack based game, I have to talk with the players about the mistakes they made in the first match, I have every belief that the players are aware of their commitments.” said the Bangladesh coach.

George Kottan, the Pakistani coach was trying to motivate his players to believe upon themselves. “We are cornered and down but not out, I win the match and we return to the track of the semifinals, I have asked my players to play their normal game focusing upon  a win not the result of the last match.” said the Austrian.

“I have every belief that we can beat Bangladesh, in the first match my team was a little disorganized, I hope to overcome the shortfalls against Bangladesh, Bangladesh in their own yard definitely will enjoy the advantage but we have the firepower to counter the challenges.” said Kottan.

The former Bangladesh coach who won the title on 2003 at Dhaka wiped out any melancholy ahead of the match. “I am a professional coach, my heart beats for the team which I own now, no chance of any emotional break down’ said Kottan.