Ibrahim turns rejection into redemption

Mohammad Ibrahim had waited a long time for this moment. When the ball hit the net against Bhutan, it was not just a goal that gave Bangladesh three valuable points in their SAFF Championship opener. It was also a release of years of frustration, missed opportunities and disappointment for a forward who had spent much of his international career waiting for another chance.

Introduced as a substitute, Ibrahim struck the winner in Bangladesh's 1-0 victory on Thursday before joining supporters in the stands to celebrate. The emotion was evident after the final whistle, when the 29-year-old struggled to hold back tears.

Bangladesh were in a relaxed mood on Friday, a day after their hard-earned victory over Bhutan. The entire squad attended Jumma prayers together at a nearby mosque before returning to the training ground in the evening.

The session at ABG Sports City's football training ground was devoted entirely to recovery, with the players going through a light post-match routine rather than a full training session. Before the session began, the match-winner spoke to the media, reflecting on the emotional significance of his goal and the long wait for another opportunity in the national colours.

"I had been coming in and out of the national team for a long time. Even when I was in the squad, I did not always get the chance to play. After scoring, all those difficult moments came back to me. That was what kept going through my mind," Ibrahim told reporters.

The forward had been out of the national team for more than a year before returning for the 15th SAFF Championship. Despite maintaining his form at club level, he missed out on Bangladesh's FIFA ASEAN Cup squad. Rather than lose heart, he continued working, hoping another opportunity would come.

It finally did, and Ibrahim made it count.

On Thursday match Bangladesh had wasted several chances before he came off the bench, but he said he never doubted that an opportunity would arrive.

"When I saw the ball going into their box but we were not finishing, I knew that if I could get into the right position, I would get one or two chances. My target was to read the play, anticipate when the ball would come to me and finish it properly," he said.

Ibrahim also explained that his winning goal was the result of following coach Thomas Dooley's instructions rather than simply relying on his instinct as a natural number nine. He had been asked to play behind Shamit (Shome) in the attacking midfield role and stay around the penalty area.

"When Shamit went to meet the cross, I saw space behind him and made the run. Before I came on, the coach had told me to stay around the box so that I could shoot if the ball came my way," he said.

The goal was Ibrahim's fifth for Bangladesh and his second in the SAFF Championship. He now wants to make further contributions as the hosts look to progress in the tournament.

"As a forward, I always want to contribute to the team's victory, either by scoring or creating goals. We will take it match by match and follow the coach's instructions against whoever we face," he said.

Ibrahim admitted missing out on the ASEAN Cup had hurt, but said he used the disappointment as motivation to perform at club level and earn his place back.

"Being left out was the coach's decision, and of course I was disappointed. But I knew the SAFF was coming, so I tried to do well for my club. I believed that would give me another chance, and if I got one, I wanted to make the most of it," he said.

With Bangladesh still searching for a recognised number nine, Ibrahim also made himself available for the role.

"If I get the opportunity in the forward line, I am always ready to play in any position," he said