Nat'l team leaves to play World Cup pre-qualifiers against Tajikistan

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Players and officials of Bangladesh National Football team seen in a photo session before their Tajikistan tour to face Tajikistan in the second leg of the 2010 World Cup pre-qualifiers away match. — FocusBangla Photo

Bangladesh National Football team left the city Wednesday afternoon for Bangkok en route to Tajikistan with a high hope to win the away match of the 2010 World Cup pre-qualifiers against the hosts in Dushanbe, reports UNB.
The team comprises 18 booters and two officials. The match will be held in the Tajik capital on October 28.
After reaching the Thai capital, the national side will leave for Uzbek capital Tashkent by another Thai Airways flight.
Later, Bangladesh team will travel to Dushanbe by road, expecting to reach the destination Thursday.
On the eve of the team's departure, veteran defender Hasan Al Mamun said: "Tajikistan is a strong side and they will be playing at home. But our main target will be to win."
Mamun also gave indication of stiff challenge saying: "We will snatch points from them in the way they snatched points from us in the home match."
Earlier, in the home match on Oct 8, Bangladesh held strong Tajikistan to a 1-1 draw at the Bangabandhu National Stadium here.
Midfielder Zumratul Hossain Mithu, who scored the lone goal for Bangladesh in the home match said: "Our target will be to win the match, no matter who scores the goal. Win is much needed for us for the sake of country's football."
Veteran coach Syed Nayeemuddin also seemed pretty confident about his side as he thinks he has the best possible side at the moment.
Asked about dependable defender Nazrul Islam, who is not accompanying the team, the coach said: "Nazrul could not come in the squad because of some problems."
Earlier, Bangladesh played four matches against Tajikistan where they managed only one draw in the last home match.
The Bangladesh team suffered an identical 0-2 goals defeat in the prior home and away basis Pre World Cup qualifier matches and 1-6 in the AFC Challenge Cup here last year.
Bangladesh team: Biplob Battachariya, Mazharul Islam Himel, Wali Faisal, Rajani Kanta Barman, Hasan Al Mamun, Ariful Islam, Mahmudul Hasan, Amit Khan Shuvro, Arman Aziz, Abul Hossain, Zumratul Hossain Mithu, Zahid Hossain, Enamul Haque Sharif, Mohammad Robin, Zahid Hossain Emily and Saifur Rahman Moni.
Officials: Amirul Islam Babu (coordinator) and Syed Nayeemuddin (coach).