Tigers refuse to give up at ASEAN Cup

Bangladesh men’s football side will look to salvage some pride and generate vital momentum for the upcoming SAFF Championship when they face hosts Indonesia in their final ASEAN Cup Group A fixture on Thursday.

Having been eliminated from final contention following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Singapore, the 6:30pm clash is effectively a dead rubber for the visitors. However, for a squad using this tournament to build match fitness after a three-month domestic lay-off, the game carries immense weight.

Captain Jamal Bhuyan noted steady improvement from his side and promised a spirited display against a formidable home team.

"The whole team did not play well in the first match, but the second match was better, and we had more confidence," Jamal told reporters on Wednesday. "Indonesia are playing at home, so we know they will be dominant. We have our plans and have studied their set-pieces and dangerous strikers."

"Those are good results for them, but we have to focus only on ourselves and where we need to improve," he added.

Head coach Thomas Dooley echoed that sentiment, demanding absolute commitment against an Indonesian squad bolstered by European-based talent.

"They have millions of players and international players in Germany, Holland, and Italy," Dooley said, noting the physical threat of players like Kevin Diks. “We want to win, but above all, we need to fight. We can lose, but the performance has to be there."

"It is absolutely untrue. There are so many lies out there," Dooley added on rumors. "Psychology plays a big role in football. If we act in the media as underdogs, we hope they do not play at 100%, and then we can surprise them."

That unified front was backed by young forward Minhazul Karim Shadin, who firmly brushed aside gossip about teammate Farhaan Ali Wahid, while midfielder Sohel Rana Junior hinted at a pragmatic mid-block strategy to contain the attacking hosts.

History provides a glimmer of hope. In their last meeting in June 2022, Jamal captained Bangladesh to a heroic 0-0 draw in Bandung against the Garuda.

Ultimately, Dooley views Thursday’s clash as essential education.

"Football knowledge comes with experience," Dooley concluded. "Our games here are for learning, but when we get back home, we need to win the SAFF tournament. There is no question about that."