Bangladesh look to tighten their grip ahead of the semi-final clash against Pakistan at the National Stadium, Dhaka on Saturday.
The hosts come off from a two out of two wins in the group stage and they plan to continue their successful and unbeaten run in the championship as they eye for a fourth final qualification in the SAFF Championship.
However, despite having a clean sheet in both the games and a dominating outing against Sri Lanka, clinching a 4-0 victory to make the semis as the group A champions, the regular right-back Saad Uddin has been ruled out due to an Achilles injury.
Head coach Thomas Dooley has praised Saad and his commitment for the team and also emphasised on the fact how the team will miss his services in the final stages of the tournament.
“Obviously it is very sad for us because Saad is one of the players who also brings 100% every time when he plays, when he steps on the field, even in training. He was a very strong defender on the right side; very offensive-minded, defensive, skillful, and very hard (working). So obviously he will be missed today, and we just have to compensate for that with another player,” Dooley told the reporters on Friday.
Even though he did not name any player as a replacement yet, but he is hopeful that whoever replaces Saad in the playing XI, will be equally beneficial for the team and will give their all.
“We are thinking about who that one will be, and the one who is coming in, I’m sure he’s going to also play like him and will help us to be successful,” he continued.
Dooley also discarded any chance to take Pakistan lightly as he believes that Bangladesh needs to be “100% prepared.”
“Pakistan is, maybe, the most difficult one to play against. They are very strong. They showed in the Asia Cup against the Philippines and against Vietnam great results and great competition. So obviously, it’s something that we cannot take lightly anyhow. So, we have to be 100% prepared,” Dooley said.
Bangladesh take the field against Pakistan today for the sixth time in SAFF Championship, where they have won two, drawn two and lost to Pakistan once. The hosts will surely look to extend their lead and get one step closer to their promise of bringing the cup home after 23 years.
