Dhaka, Dec 7:

Hosts Bangladesh faces Sri Lanka in the crucial last match of group B to ensure a last four berth of the Bangabandhu SAFF Championship at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka already has confirmed a semi-final berth and a draw will see them as the group champions. A draw for Bangladesh means a last four spot as the runners-up of the group while a win will put Bangladesh at the top. Bangladesh can afford a draw but a loss will set them in the exit zone as Pakistan will play their last match against Bhutan earlier.

Bangladesh will take a different strategy as Maldives will be not physically tough as the Pakistanis and Bangladesh will try to rely upon the skills and the tactics rather than an allout game plan. Bangladesh will be very much aware that little mistake can cause a lot of damage. The wily Sri Lanka have the touch to convert a half chance to a strike.

However the confidence level of Bangladesh remained high after the hard and fierce competitive match against Pakistan where the defence was tested to the limit. The forward line also created a number of chances that would have changed the scenario if converted.

Bangladesh will have to put a good show in the midfield to resist the free flowing football of their opponents. Kasun Jayasuriya, Ediri Channa, and Chatura Gunaratne former lethal combination in the Sri Lankan offence and Bangladesh would have to monitor the trio in every moment of the match.

Bangladesh coach Shahidur Rahman Chowdhury Shantoo hopes that his boys will be out of the shell today. “The players were in a mental pressure against Pakistan for many reasons, the month of December inserted a feeling that the match can’t be lost, they were under pressure about not losing and were not focussed upon winning.” said Shantoo.

Shantoo however admitted that he have to improve in every department. “In the first match our offence put a good show, in the second our defence faced extreme pressure and kept the forte unhurt, now it is the time to put a balanced show” aid Shantoo.

Shantoo is all set to field the same starting eleven but depending upon the situation he may opt for a couple of changes.

Sampath Perera, the Sri Lankan coach warned Bangladesh not to expect any complacency as his team have confirmed a semi-final berth. “We will take the field to win the match, draw is not in our mind, Bangladesh in its own yard will be a tough opponent and we are very much aware of it, we will give chances to the players who had not played yet.” said Sampath.