Sports Reporter :
Hosts Bangladesh will face Malaysia today in the opening match of the Bangabandhu Gold Cup International Football Tournament at the Sylhet District Stadium in Sylhet.
The match kicks-off at 5.00 pm.
Minister for Finance Abul Maal Abdul Muhith will formally open the gala football meet as the chief guest.
A total of six teams splitting into two groups are taking part in the football tournament.
Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sri Lanka are in Group A while Bahrain, Singapore, Thailand are in Group B.
Three matches of the first phase of the tournament and a semifinal will be held at the Sylhet District Stadium while rest of the matches, a semifinal and the final will be taken place at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
Marking the today’s match, Coach of Bangladesh National Football team Lodewijk de Kruif said, “Malaysia team is a well developed team in Group A, and Bangladesh is on the right track as the team is in the learning process by playing international football events.”
Captain of Bangladesh team Mamunul Islam said, “Now our fitness is almost up to international standard and I’m satisfied that we’ve received such hundred percent international level physical fitness training.”
He said, “The first match of any tournament is very important. If we win the match, our place in the semifinal will be confirmed. So, we want to make a good start.”
Coach of Malaysia Football team Mohamed Razip Ismail said, “We are taking the hosts very seriously.” He mentioned that in 2003, Malaysia National Football team was held 1-1 at home by Bangladesh National Football team in a FIFA International Friendly Football match.
Captain of Malaysia team Nazirul Naim said, “Our Coach and I believe that Bangladesh Football team will offer a tough time in the field in our first game. We are also thinking about our own performance and we shall try to play our natural game.”
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Football Federation disclosed that tickets of the Sylhet-leg were sold out.
