The Bangladesh national football team are currently in Hong Kong ahead of their second-leg match in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, scheduled for 14 October. However, their preparations have been disrupted by substandard training facilities and long travel times from their hotel to the practice ground.
According to a statement issued by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), senior team member Sohel Rana expressed frustration over the arrangements. “The ground provided yesterday was over an hour away from our hotel and in very poor condition,” said Sohel. “It was the same today as well.”
Such difficulties are not new for visiting teams during away fixtures, and the Bangladesh players were mentally prepared for potential challenges. “We came expecting situations like this,” Sohel added. “So we’re taking it in stride and are ready to fight on the pitch.”
As per international regulations, it is the responsibility of the host nation to ensure suitable training facilities and logistical support for the visiting team at least 48 hours before the match. Bangladesh arrived in Hong Kong on the night of 10 October, but were still subjected to poor practice conditions and logistical inconveniences on the 11th and 12th.
The team will finally get to train at the official match venue the day before the fixture.
In the first leg of the qualifier, played on 25 March in Shillong, India, Bangladesh had also arrived five days in advance. Yet they faced similar issues with inadequate training grounds and hotel arrangements. That experience appears to have had little impact on the approach of head coach Javier Cabrera, who again opted to take the squad abroad early, rather than resolve tactical and team issues on home soil.
After playing their last match on 9 October, the team left for Hong Kong the following day. Analysts argue that adjustments and tactical corrections should ideally have been made while still in Bangladesh. Cabrera often prefers closed-door training sessions, but failed to conduct any before travelling, instead opting to fine-tune tactics after arrival in Hong Kong.
Speaking to the BFF, Cabrera said, “After arriving here, we focused more on recovery and adapting to the climate and surroundings.”
There has also been speculation around the team captaincy. Although Jamal Bhuiyan is officially the captain, Cabrera has not consistently included him in the starting eleven. This has led to calls for midfielder Hamza to be handed the armband. When asked, Cabrera said, “We are lucky to have players like Hamza, Jamal, Topu and Sohel who are all capable of leading the side. Everyone is giving their best and taking responsibility.”
Despite the players’ efforts, many in the footballing community have raised questions about Cabrera’s effectiveness as head coach. His decisions regarding team selection, tactical changes during matches and in-game management have often come under scrutiny. Even with the presence of experienced players such as Hamza and Samit, results have not improved as expected, adding to the growing concerns about leadership at the coaching level.
