‘The match is important for us’ – India coach Khalid Jamil repeated this in a press conference for about 15 minutes. He was not very willing to share any news from inside the team. It was as if he was saving everything for the field.
The day before yesterday, it was announced by the BFF that India would practice at 9:15 am yesterday morning. There was no security reason, Khalid said that this is their culture. It is not yet completely cold in Dhaka. So it should not be difficult to adapt to the fresh morning weather. It is time to see how much they can illuminate themselves today in the night light.
Hamza Chowdhury made his international football debut in a match against India in Shillong in March this year. It is not unknown to anyone how Hamza colored that match. Although he did not score a goal, he impressed the fans with his football style. When Bangladesh and India are facing each other again after eight months, Hamza’s words are coming back. At the press conference, the Indian coach said, ‘As I said before, not one or two Bangladesh players, the whole team is good. All of them are good players. So we will not take the match lightly. We have to think positively, we have to bring good results.’
Khalid, however, is not giving up, frankly admitting that he is under pressure. He is waiting for the fulfillment of his hard work, ‘Everyone knows that it is a pressure match. Still, we have to work hard for a positive result. This is not a friendly match. A qualifying match. Very important.’
Praising Bangladesh, Khalid also said, ‘Bangladesh is a very good team. They have good players. I have seen that they have quality. Their game at home and away has improved a lot.’
Khalid never hesitates to make bold decisions. He came to Dhaka without stars like Liston Colasso, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Udanta Singh. The team also has an expatriate touch. Ryan Williams has taken an Indian passport after giving up his Australian citizenship. The first stamp on that passport is from Bangladesh. However, it is still uncertain whether this winger will be able to play or not.
Khalid said, “We are prepared for both possibilities. If he is there, great. Even if he is not, we will work the same way. We are still waiting (for permission from FIFA).”
