"All of Bangladesh will watch the match," Captain Jamal Bhuyan opens up on highly anticipated clash against India

India will face Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

The South Asian rivals, India and Bangladesh, are ready for an intense encounter in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday. Both teams are out of contention for qualification to the AFC Asian Cup 2027. However, the excitement for this face-off is palpable.

India and Bangladesh have been involved in close contests in recent years, with neither team having a clear edge over the other. The clash on Tuesday is expected to be yet another intense affair, and the Bangladesh skipper, Jamal Bhuyan, is aware of the high stakes.

‘Emotional’ match for Bhuyan

Jamal Bhuyan opened up in the pre-match press conference and claimed the upcoming fixture as “a very emotional, high-voltage match.” He expressed further, “After this match, there will be a long break for the national team. If we can finish the year with a win, it will be positive not only for us but also for the supporters and for you all.”

The Bangladesh veteran is ready to take on the Blue Tigers and emphasized the mental aspect of the game in such high-pressure matches. “The match is emotional for me, but at the same time, we have to play using our brains. There will be many free kicks in tomorrow’s match, there will be yellow cards, there will be shouting. But I will take it as a normal match. Still, I know the importance of this match.”

Also Read: Bangladesh vs India Live Streaming: When and where to watch AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers clash live in India?

‘Strongest squad’

“Given our current situation, this is Bangladesh’s strongest squad. So, of course, we have a big opportunity”, Bhuyan hailed his players ahead of the game.

Talking about the new sensation in Bangladesh colours, Hamza Choudhury, Bhuyan said, “I am lucky that I could assist Hamza–a corner and a bicycle kick. The bicycle-kick goal is one of the best I’ve seen for Bangladesh. It will definitely be number one. Hamza has come from abroad, just like me. Our understanding is very good. So this understanding started off the field.”

The football fans in Bangladesh are buzzing to watch their team in action against their South Asian rivals, and Jamal is prepared to carry those expectations. “There is always pressure, but handling it is my job. Bangladesh’s cricket coach met me this morning and asked about the match. He said he would also be at the stadium. So even from the cricket side, they are excited. All of Bangladesh will watch the match.”

The Bangladesh skipper also talked about the attacking threat his side possesses. “We definitely have problems in defense. But if India pushes high and plays up front, we will get a lot of space in attack. Rakib is probably the fastest player in South Asia. If we can use him properly, then regardless of whether it’s Sandesh [Jhingan] or Rahul [Bheke] at the back—he will kill their defense.”

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