The Bangladesh national football team is determined to bounce back from their 3-0 defeat to Vietnam in Hanoi, as they prepare for their final Asian Cup qualifying match against Singapore. Under the guidance of Javier Cabrera, the squad completed their second day of training on Sunday with renewed energy and focus.
The off-field atmosphere in Singapore has become a significant boost for the players. During practice sessions, large numbers of expatriate Bangladeshi fans gathered around the pitch, cheering and showing support, which has proved to be a major morale booster.
Midfielder Shamit Shome said, “Practising abroad and receiving support from fellow Bangladeshis is incredible. It doesn’t distract us; it lifts the mood of the entire team. Their love gives us extra motivation to win.”
Several key players, including Rakib Hossain, Topu Barman, Mohammad Ridoy, and Quazem Shah, are absent. However, Shamit emphasised the “next man up” approach. “We miss players like Rakib and Topu, but football isn’t just about 11 players. It’s a collective effort of the full squad. Whoever gets the chance must give their best. Mirajul Islam has been performing very well from the start of this camp. We are also guiding juniors to build strong team cohesion.”
Assistant coach Hasan Al Mamun also highlighted the impact of local support. “Even abroad, this environment makes it feel like we’re playing in Bangladesh. It acts like a tonic for the team,” he said.
The coaching staff have spent the past two days correcting set-piece errors from the Vietnam match. Hasan added, “We know our capabilities. Against Singapore, we want to leave the field with dignity and the nation’s honour. At the very least, our goal is to return home with points.”
Bangladesh will face Singapore at the Singapore National Stadium on Tuesday in their final group-stage match of the third round of Asian Cup qualifying. Singapore, who topped Group C, won the first leg in Dhaka 2-1. With Bangladesh third on the table with five points, they must defeat the hosts to advance ahead of Hong Kong, who have eight points.
Shamit addressed the challenge posed by the absence of experienced players: “Honestly, we are not overthinking the pressure. We just play. In situations like these, Shomeeone always has to step up. Hamza and I may not be able to play if injured, so others must take responsibility. The support of Bangladeshis here is giving us an extra boost to perform better and aim for victory.”
Coach Javier Cabrera and forward Sheikh Morsalin have encouraged learning from the loss to Vietnam, while Hasan Al Mamun echoed the motivational effect of fan presence. “When you play abroad and feel as though you are at home because so many Bangladeshis are cheering your name, it definitely helps. This support acts as a tonic for us and inspires the team to perform as a motivated unit.”
