Dhaka, July 27: Bangladesh is geared up to face the hard challenge against Lebanon in the second leg of the World Cup qualifier at the Bangandhanu National Stadium at 6:00 pm on Thursday.

The match will be televised live at BTV.

Bangladesh conceded a 4-0 defeat at Beirut in the first leg and have an improbable task of winning 5-0 to qualify for the group stages of the World Cup qualifiers.

Bangladesh coach Nikola Ilievski put a brave face standing against the odds in the official pre-match conference at the BFF House on Wednesday. “Yes, we are in the back foot, down 4-0 is too much to wipe out, however we hope to turn the tide with good performances, we hope to play our best and hope to win” said the Macedonian. Ilievski also revealed his playing eleven with Mamun Khan as the goalie, Arif, Shujon, Waly Faisal, Biplob, the experienced custodian is all set to sit in the tent again.

Emile Rustom the Lebanese coach however was ready to face the fire with fire. “Bangladesh is a good side and they will be enjoying the home advantages, however we are not worried about the challenges, the conditions, the temperature is suitable for us as we are accustomed to play in these conditions” said Emile.

“Whenever we take the field we look for a win and tomorrow it won’t be different; we have forgotten the first leg and now we are all focused upon tomorrows match, we canr predict the result but all we know we will take the field to win” said the Lebanese coach.

Bangladesh skipper Biplob who was present in the press conference said he would abide by the ruling of his coach and he has nothing to say about his dropping.

Khodr Salameh, the Lebanese skipper hoped that his team will continue the good run. “I did not play in the first leg but watched the game thoroughly, Bangladesh fought but I think we have the edge and will win the match” said Salameh.  

Bangladesh :  Mamun Khan, Waly, Rezaul Karim, Sujan (C), Ariful, Raju, Mamunul Islam, Jahid Hossain, Shakil, Touhid, Emily.