‘We were better in terms of chance creation’

Having shared the spoils with Afghanistan in the two FIFA-friendly matches, Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuiyan said that the men in red and green were unlucky to have not notched a win over their superior opponents.

Bangladesh, who played out a goalless draw in the first match, came from behind to hold Afghanistan to a 1-1 draw in the second game at the Bashundhara Kings Arena yesterday. Sheikh Morsalin equalised 10 minutes after Denmark-based forward Jabar Sharza gave Afghanistan a lead with a header in the 52nd minute.

"We were the better side in terms of creating chances in the two matches. Unfortunately, we could not utilise those and we have to learn from these two matches. We have to get better and improve ourselves," said Jamal at the post-match conference, for which the Afghan officials were a no-show.

Afghanistan head coach Abdullah Al Mutairi and Bangladesh assistant coach Hasan Al Mamun were sent off during the match following a spat between the two at the touchline.

With the aim to beat Bangladesh at their home ground for the first time, Al Mutairi fielded eight foreign-based players to dominate from the onset. Bangladesh, however, survived the initial pressure and went on to put on a better display than the Afghans in the second half on a rain-soaked ground.

"I think Afghanistan dominated the first 20 minutes of the first half but we controlled the game, especially in the second half. We had good chances from which we were able to take one and made a comeback in the match," Jamal added. "We expected that Afghanistan would press high and dominate us from the first minute but we adapted to it. All the boys adapted well. Besides, the coach brought some changes in the second half, especially some small tweaks were made and then we were able to dominate them."

Jamal also admitted that the habit of playing on wet outfields had helped his troops yesterday.

Right-back Bishwanath Ghosh was the one who set up the goal for Morsalin with a low cross. Morsalin also struck his first international goal against Maldives from a Bishwanath cut-back during the SAFF Championship.

"As we play together in the same club, we know how and where to deliver the ball and who will move where. I have a good understanding and communication with my clubmate Rakib [Hossain], who provided me with the ball and I just pushed it on the path of Morsalin and Jamal. Moraslin was the first to get to it," said Bishwanath, who also said that he would have been happier if Bangladesh came out of the game as winners.

The two friendly matches were basically arranged to prepare Bangladesh for October's World Cup and Asian Cup pre-qualifiers and head coach Javier Cabrera was convinced that they would get past Maldives.

"The target was to prove ourselves that we are ready to beat Maldives and we are absolutely convinced that this team has what it needs to qualify and to play in Australia in November," said the Spanish coach.

The 38-year-old coach, however, did not want to dwell on the mistakes made by his charges in the two games.

"I think we are on the right track again. I don't think we should now try to find what we have done wrong. I think we have had a very good window. We did not only have a very good game today but played well in both matches. We are progressing well and we have to keep doing the same. We will see for sure, there will be things that we can improve, but at this level, we can achieve something important," said Cabrera.