Bangladesh advanced to the semifinal in the ongoing Bangabandhu Gold Cup International Football Tournament with  one match in hands thanks to Philippines’ 3-1 victory over Laos. Now the hosts will face the challenge of Philippines today in their group last match. The match, though will not an encounter like ‘do or die’ match as both teams have already booked their semifinal berths but to the coach and the captain of Bangladesh it is also as an important match.

Jamie Day, the head coach of the Bangladesh team explained the importance of the match that they will have to face strong side in the semifinal so it is essential to win the group match.

Jamie said, “Both teams, who will qualify from the other group are strong teams. It might be a tough game in the semifinals. We want to win the group and it’s a good achievement to win the group. If we top the table it would be fantastic, if we don’t, we prepare for what other team we get in the semifinals.”

On Jamie’s eyes - “They (Philippines) are good side. They have very good players what that they showed against Laos. So it would be tough game for us.”  

Jamie, about the target with the match said, “We are obviously going to win it, we want to win like Philippines want to win as well, that’s what we are looking to do, I think we need also a little bit luck tomorrow (Friday). We won the first game, we worked hard last couple of days. We are ready and if we play well we can do it.”

About the squad for today’s encounter, Jamie said, “Three players may have get run out, have not played previously which might be needed. Jamal and Waly have a little bit knock but nothing serious, they would be Ok. Every player are available for selection.”

Jamie, thinks the supporters are inspiration for the players, when he said, “Since I have been coach, supporters have been fantastic in every game. Win or lose they really got behind the boys. They can do again tomorrow (Friday). If I were a player I’d want as many people watch possible. They inspire the boys to do well. So the more people come better for us.”

About the shape of the tomorrow’s squad, the coach said. “There will be few changes tomorrow. We need to make a couple of changes, rest a couple of players for next round. It gives some players who have not played the opportunity to play.”

“We are pleased.. We are confident and everyone is happy that we achieved to be in the semifinals, that was the target,” Jamie replied to a query to the reporters after a practice session yesterday at the Sylhet BKSP ground.

Jamal Bhuiyan, captain the team just echoed to his coach saying that every match is important for them but he want to win the match to be the group champions.

Jamal also said that to him Palestine is the best side in the Group A so, if they would move as group top they could avoid Palestine in the semis.

“Our plan is to win to be the number one in the group. To me Palestine is strongest side in their group, so if we can win we would not have to face them.”

Jamal does not lie to take match easy, when he asked whether the match would be any pressure for them, he said, “Every match is like an exam, so it will be important and will have to win.”

“It would be hard match as Philippines forward line is very strong, players are very sharp, so we will have to careful.”