Resolve strengthened simply by defensive solidity
After an 84th minute equaliser earned Bangladesh a draw against Afghanistan on the globe Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers on Thursday, the men in crimson and green's compact defence and their desire to chase the overall game till the ultimate whistle were widely appreciated by coaches and football lovers all over the country.
Despite Tapu Barman's leveler being the biggest talking point of the match, the discipline of Bangladesh's defence didn't go unnoticed.
In the absence of some key players, the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha noticed a debut handed to Finland-born defender Tariq Raihan Kazi while Chittagong Abahani's Manik Hossain Molla and Rimon Hossain of Bashundhara Kings were two of these who came in as substitues. All three impressed by exceeding expectations.
Former nationwide footballer and skilled coach Saiful Bari Titu expressed contentment about the team's performance.
"Bangladesh defended effectively throughout the meet. We didn't concede any goals in the primary half despite Afghanistan dominating in the attacking third. We maintained a solid defensive series and didn't allow opposition cause much damage," he said.
"Although the team looked somewhat messy after conceding the goal, [Bangladesh coach] Jamie [Day] made some smart alterations by introducing Manik Molla, Rimon Hossain and others who helped to wrest back again control of the overall game."
Manik Hossain Molla was introduced 9 minutes just after Bangladesh conceded and Titu acknowledged the midfielder's performance found in defensive midfield, a posture similar to the one Titu played.
"Manik Molla has been playing really well in the league. He has incredible ball control and is aware of where to take up the ball. He includes a great ability to intercept balls and will snatch it again from the opposition. That was obvious during the match as well."
Debutant Tariq Kazi also had a respectable performance, making seven clearances including several crucial headers against the towering Afghan strikers.
Tariq and Manik Molla also took bookings for the crew, nonetheless it was a collective work by the defence that thwarted more than 15 episodes from Afghanistan.
Titu emphasised that the take up when in transition will be just as important as a concise security against India, whom Bangladesh face tomorrow.
"India have a stronger defence than Afghanistan. To accomplish very well against them, we need to keep possession very well during transitions. We failed to do this against Afghanistan, nonetheless it can cost us against India."
The neighborhood coach sounded optimistic prior to the match, saying: "India and Afghanistan will be the nearest to ours with regards to quality in this group. Anything can occur in the meet. But similar to your meet against Afghanistan, we need to move with the confidence that people can come back from a hard situation."
Bangladesh Defender Rahmat Mia also shone a spotlight over defensive duties prior to the next match, saying: "Usually the defensive challenge is very stern against big clubs. We have to concentrate on not making silly errors or we might wrap up conceding goals. We have to stay compact throughout."
