State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque and fellow former national team stars gathered at the National Stadium for a special exhibition match on Sunday, offering their best wishes and inspiration to Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming SAFF Championship.
The short-sided match brought together heroes from Bangladesh’s 2003 SAFF Championship and 2010 South Asian Games gold-medal-winning squads. Former national team goalkeeper and captain Aminul Haque, who featured for both sides during the match, emphasized that the reunion was organized to inspire head coach Thomas Dooley’s squad to replicate past success on home soil.
“Winning gold medals at the 1999 and 2010 South Asian Games and the 2003 SAFF Championship were three major achievements,” Aminul stated after the match. “I was part of both the 2003 SAFF-winning and 2010 South Asian Games-winning teams. We wanted to inspire the current national team by arranging this match ahead of their SAFF campaign on November 5.”
The pitch saw impressive displays of touch and skill from veteran stars. Legendary forward Alfaz Ahmed displayed his threat in front of goal, while Arman Mia orchestrated play with sharp passing for the 2003 SAFF squad. Other notable participants included Zahid Hasan Ameli, Mamunul Islam, Enamul Haque, Zahed Hossain, Mithun Chowdhury, and Nasirul Islam.
In an entertaining encounter, Nasirul gave the 2010 South Asian Games side an early lead before Alfaz equalized from the penalty spot. Mithun subsequently scored the winning goal to seal victory for the 2010 unit.
Following the contest, Aminul highlighted the importance of commitment and patriotism over the match’s result. “Winning or losing today’s match was not important,” Aminul remarked. “Rather, we wanted the current players to show the same commitment that we showed in 2003 and 2010 on home soil. We hope they will give everything for the country, driven by patriotism.”
Aminul also expressed confidence in the current national setup, pointing to the inclusion of overseas-based talents like Hamza Choudhury and Shamit Shome. “I think we have a strong squad, with the inclusion of players like Hamza Choudhury and Shamit Shome. They will try their best in their respective positions, while the coach is also working to bring the team together,” he added. “We should not focus only on our group opponents. If we want to become champions, we have to beat everyone. I believe in this squad. They are organised and disciplined enough to play good football and lift the trophy.”
Coaching staff member and 2003 captain Hasan Al-Mamun, along with former captain Mamunul Islam, echoed these sentiments, using the reunion match to rally public support and wish the national team ultimate success in their pursuit of the regional title.
