Host looking forward to winning start

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Host Bangladesh is looking forward to make a winning start against Bhutan in their inaugural match of the SAFF Championship while Bhutan on the other hand will be happy if they can force host to share points at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in the city today (Friday), reports BSS.
Sri Lanka will face Pakistan in the opening match of the SAFF tourney today (Friday) at 4 pm while Bangladesh take on Bhutan at the same venue at 7:00 pm.
Local booters boast of having a flattering record against Bhutan since SAFF meet's inception in 1984. Bangladesh have a good record winning five and drawing two against Bhutan though the tiny Himalayan nation were the surprise semifinalists in the last edition in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Bangladesh skipper Aminul Huq was beaming with confidence ahead of the inaugural encounter against a relatively young inexperienced Bhutanese side. "I am not undermining Bhutan but I can say that Bangladesh are ready to show their full potential in the first match of the tournament. I firmly believe that if Bangladesh play to their potential, we should win the match with relative ease," said Aminul.
Bangladesh once again will bank on their strikers Emily and Enamul as the past record shows local forwards were found to be goal shy in front of the rival net quite often. "Yes, I have to admit that scoring goals remain a concern for Bangladesh but with the best available resources we hope to put up a good show," said Aminul.
The Bangladesh skipper was hoping that his midfield will provide the required fireworks when needed. "I have confidence over medico delivering the balls to the forwards with Mamunul Islam leading the midfield pack."
Bangladesh went through a strenuous training session today and the team looked fresh and agile.
Coach Shahidur Rahman Chowdhury Shantoo, trying to look relaxed and in a jovial mood said, "The players are talking a lot among themselves about their commitments and we look forward to producing the perfect teamwork, the players know about expectations of the local fans and I hope they will not disappoint the partisan crowd."
The coach said he had not selected the formation of the team yet. "I have tried 5-3-2 and also 4-4-2, I will decide it later, all I can say that the team is all set to fire all cylinders."
Koji Gyotku, the Japanese coach of Bhutan, however, was content with his aspirations.
"We will be happy if we can salvage a point from Bangladesh in the opening match, we want to improve match by match," said Koji.