The stage is set for the first FIFA match between hosts Bangladesh and the Maldives, scheduled to take place today at 6 PM at the Bashundhara Kings Arena. The Bangladesh national football team has been preparing for this match since November 1, following their two matches in Thimphu, Bhutan, in September.
The players and their Spanish coach, Javier Cabrera, understand the significance of this match. Since their elimination from the first round of the World Cup 2026 Qualifiers by Bangladesh last October, this will be the Maldives' first international fixture. Maldives' head coach, Ali Suzain, spoke to reporters upon the team's arrival in Dhaka on Monday, detailing some of the challenges they have faced, including the provisional suspension of the Football Association of Maldives president, Basam Adeel Jaleel, by FIFA.
Despite these challenges, the Bangladesh team is determined to win. Star striker Rakib Hossain expressed confidence, saying, "Sometimes we were a bit afraid of the Maldives team, but in the last few matches, we performed well. We won and drew with them in the last three matches. So we will try to maintain the winning streak."
Rakib also emphasized his role as a striker, stating, "As a striker, my duty is to score goals and assist others. It's crucial to score goals in matches. If we can't score, it's our failure. To score goals, you need strong nerves, and the coach is working on that. We are trying to execute the tactics and techniques as instructed by the coach."
Hassan Al Mamun, Cabrera's deputy, echoed this determination, saying, "We are looking forward to winning the match. We are taking all necessary steps and setting out plans to win. These two matches are the last international fixtures of the year, so everyone expects to end the year on a winning note."
He added, "This team has been playing together for a long time, and they know their duties. Playing at home after a long time, they know what they need to do. Our target is to win the matches."
Meanwhile, Maldives coach Ali Suzain acknowledged their lack of preparation and the challenges they have faced but remained optimistic. "We have had some problems back home, leading to a long gap in playing international matches. We didn't get much time to prepare, but the players of Maziya SRC recently played in the AFC Challenge League. We will take to the ground to win both matches because we really need victory, especially since we are returning to international matches," said Suzain.
Both teams held their final practice sessions on Tuesday at the Bashundhara Kings Arena, which will host both matches today and on November 16.
