Last match of the year at home. The heat was a bit too much. However, the heat subsided a bit when Bangladesh conceded one goal. However, at the end, Papon Singh's goal saw Bangladesh win. Coach Javier Cabrera is also worry free. However, the Bangladesh coach is a bit disappointed because his goals have not been met.
As Bangladesh coach Kabrera said at the post-match press conference at the Bashundhara Kings Arena, 'We needed this win. After losing the first match, there was some pressure. Everyone in the group gets a little worried. So I am worry free in winning.' However, Kabrera does not see much difference in the performance of today's match with the first match, 'We played well in the first match as well. The same happened today (Saturday). However, in the first match, despite creating many opportunities, we did not get a goal. Today (Saturday) was scored. But you can only criticize. I think, in the two matches, there was not that much difference in our performance.'
All in all, the year was not good for the Bangladesh football team. Won only 2 out of 8 international matches. Graves said another sure win had been missed. And that is against Bhutan. Bangladesh lost one of the two matches in Bhutan last September. That rate also has a big impact on rankings. If two matches could have been won, it would have been a great thing, Kabrera thinks, 'The year has not been good for us. Yes, another win was needed. That opportunity has been missed in Bhutan.'
Asian Cup qualifiers in March next year. Before that, there will be a draw in December. But if Bangladesh wins these two matches against Maldives, it would fall in the 'pot three' of the selection in March. Bangladesh would get a relatively weak opponent if it falls in pot three. Now there is no chance. The coach is also disappointed with this issue, 'If we win two matches, it would be easy for us to qualify for the Asian Cup. Now the ranking will not improve much. And there is no chance to be in the pot three of the Asian Cup selection.
Meanwhile, Cabrera's contract with Bafuf will expire on December 31. This coach's answer to whether he wants to stay or not, 'I am very happy. I had a great time with Bangladesh. This is also one of the best times of my career. Now I have to sit with the new president. I can tell after discussing with him.'
