'Our playing style has transformed’

The joy knew no bounds for Bangladesh players after an impressive 3-1 victory over Maldives in their second SAFF Championship fixture at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Every Bangladesh player echoed a common sentiment that they had desperately needed this victory following a 2-0 defeat against Lebanon in the opening match.

The result means that the charges of Javier Cabrera remain in contention to progress beyond the group stage after failing to do so in five previous editions.

"We came back stronger after the first match. This win was needed for us because we had planned for the Maldives match for a long time. We executed the plan well today. I think it was the outcome of total team work," said excited Bangladesh centre-back Tapu Barman in his instant post-match reaction yesterday.

Striker Rakib Hossain, who thumped a header home from close range following a link-up play between Sohel Rana and Tapu to score the equaliser, said that they were "really determined" to win the game.

"It has been a great victory for us. We are really happy because we have been under pressure but were really determined to win this match. Our style of play has transformed and we are also playing attacking football. With these goals against Maldives, I believe our goal-drought is on the verge of ending," said Rakib.

Right-back Bishwanath Ghosh also relayed the level of desperation felt by the men in red and green before the Maldives encounter. 

"We were mentally in a difficult position after losing the first match. Our target was to achieve a good result from this match. We were committed and kept talking among ourselves about how to snatch the victory over Maldives. To be honest, every player has pushed themselves to win the match," said Bishwanath.

A dream came true for attacking midfielder Sheikh Morsalin after the 17-year-old came from the bench to score the third goal for his side.

Tariq Raihan Kazi (L) and Bishwanath Ghosh. Photo: BFF

"I had a dream to score for the national team at a big stage and I fulfilled it in the crucial match. Happy about it but the big thing is that the team won the match," said Morsalin.

Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuiyan said that they will be aiming for a win against Bhutan in their next match on Wednesday.

"We will celebrate this triumph tonight. We all are very happy with this win because we needed three points and we achieved it. We have two days in hand ahead of the Bhutan match [on June 28] and we will be going for the win against Bhutan," said the central midfielder.