Booters face stern test against Oman

Bangladesh football team is all set to face an uphill battle ahead of its next FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 (Preliminary Joint Round-2) match against Oman on June 15 in Qatar as they will be without key players.

Even Bangladesh head coach Jamie Day is struggling to manage the best XI lineup. The difference between Bangladesh (184) and Oman (80) in the FIFA ranking is a concern but the major concern is their strikers’ recent mediocre performance and at least three regular players’ unavailability for the upcoming match against a powerful Oman.

“Making the XI is a big challenge for me now. But there is nothing to do; we are forced to make the team with the available players,” Bangladesh head coach Jamie Day told media on Thursday.

Having been held to a 1-1 draw by Afghanistan, then poor finishing saw Bangladesh were thrashed by arch-rival India in the last match.

It was a disappointing match for Jamie Day’s boys against India as they were not only drubbed 0-2 but also lost captain Jamal Bhuyan, midfielder Bipul Ahmed and defender Rahmat Mia for their next match after they all received a yellow card against India, their second in the tournament.

Captain Jamal Bhuyan has been the inspiration in the midfield and arguably the best player of Bangladesh. His absence will surely be felt against formidable Oman.

Midfielders Masuk Mia and Sohel Rana have also been ruled out due to injuries. Both have already returned to the country. Out of the 24-man squad that went to Qatar, Jamie Day has now 19 against Oman.