Bangladesh began their SAFF Championship campaign with a victory, but they did so without midfielder Hamza Choudhury, who was unavailable for the opening match against Bhutan due to club commitments. However, the team is now preparing for their next encounter against Sri Lanka, scheduled for November 11, with the expectation that Choudhury will be available to join the side. Forward Mohammad Ibrahim, who secured a 1-0 win against Bhutan as a second-half substitute, believes that Hamza’s arrival will significantly bolster the team’s performance and shift the overall momentum.
Reflecting on the opening success, Ibrahim noted that the victory served as a tribute to the team captain Topu Barman’s pre-match vow to deliver a win for their teammate. Following a training session at the ABJ Football Ground on Friday, Ibrahim emphasized the impact of having their full squad together, stating that the return of players currently outside the lineup will undoubtedly strengthen the team’s competitive edge.
Ibrahim also opened up about his emotional reaction following his decisive goal against Bhutan, admitting that he shed tears as he processed the difficulties he faced in recent times. He explained that his journey involved frequent stints on the fringes of the team where he struggled for game time, and scoring the winner brought those challenging moments to the surface. His performance was guided by a patient reading of the game from the sidelines, as he focused on anticipating the movement of the ball into the penalty box, waiting for the precise opportunity to execute a finish when the chance arose.
Looking toward the potential semi-final scenarios, where Bangladesh could face either India or Maldives, Ibrahim remains focused on a match-by-match approach. As an attacker, his primary goal is to contribute to team victories, whether by scoring or setting up teammates, while adhering to the tactical instructions provided by the coaching staff for each specific opponent. By maintaining this professional mindset, he intends to build on the momentum gained from their initial tournament success.
