Mamunul hopeful against Sri Lanka

Bangladesh's football captain Mamunul Islam is confident of victory against Sri Lanka.

Interim coach Saiful Bari Tito will closely monitor his team's performance against the Islanders at home on Friday.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will play in the first of two friendly matches at the Shamsul Huda Stadium in Jessore.

Coach Tito and the captain spoke of the game plan for the match at a press conference on Thursday.

The Bangladesh team could train for only 10 days after Eid-ul-Azha. In this short time, Tito, who has replaced head coach Lodewijk de Kruif on temporary basis, stressed on fitness.

Tito seemed uncertain on the team’s prospects for tomorrow’s match after training for such a short period.

“Within these few days, I’ve focussed on the boys’ fitness and explained to them how quick decisions must be taken during the match. I’m looking forward to this match to check out the team’s performance.”

Captain Mamunul said he was happy with his team.

“Our current team is doing fine. Team spirit is good. We will play to win.”

“Playing good football is our first goal. But along with that winning is important. Therefore, we will not play for exhibition but for victory,” he added.

Meanwhile, all the tickets for the Jessore match have been sold out, said the organizers. The Bangladesh captain says a packed stadium will be an encouraging sight.

“Supporters will not add to our pressures, they are our strength. We want them to cheer us not only when we play well but also when we do not. So that we are inspired to get back in the match."

Promises of fight

Sri Lanka coach Nikola Kavazović sees the home advantage for Bangladesh, but says his team will fight it out.

“We are dealing with this match with great significance. We will take to the field with the aim of winning,” the Serbian coach told a press conference on Thursday.

The average age of the Sri Lanka team is under 22 years. Compared to that, the Bangladesh team is quite experienced. However, Kavazović refused to brand his side as inexperienced.

A Bangladeshi referee will supervise the match. The Sri Lanka coach has hoped for impartiality from the referee.

“I hope he will forget his nationality for 90 minutes.”