Back home with ample promise

The Bangladesh senior men's football team returned to the country on Monday following an impressive 2023 SAFF Championship campaign in Bengaluru, India.

Apart from Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuiyan, all headed to their respective homes soon after arrival.

Jamal attempted to meet Argentina's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who was present in the airport to catch the Kolkata-bound flight after his short visit in Bangladesh. However, the Bangladesh captain was only able to watch the Argentina No. 1 from a distance.

Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuiyan (M). Photo: BFF

Bangladesh played some beautiful football for the past two weeks and, in the process, disproved the doubters to achieve a semi-final berth in the regional competition after 14 years. The display of promising youngsters was a breath of fresh air, providing a promise of prosperity.

Such a player who grabbed attention, albeit low-key, is Mohammad Ridoy who operated at the base of midfield like a seasoned campaigner.

"As players, we have to be disciplined individually and team-wise to keep this standard, so that our football gets better in the coming days," Ridoy told The Daily Star on the eve of departure.

"If we can work harder in the coming days, then we will be rewarded. The coaching staff will also have to work with us more," he added.

Aside from their come-back wins against Maldives and Bhutan, the men in red and green left their best show for the last, winning the hearts of millions against a vastly superior Kuwait as the 1-0 defeat was overshadowed by Ridoy and company's incredible effort for over 120 minutes.

Winger Faisal Ahmed Fahim, another 21-year-old who also plays for Abahani, echoed Ridoy's sentiments.

"It is possible to carry this standard and keep the consistency going because all of us are professional players. If we can hold the commitment that we did in the SAFF Championship, then it is very much possible to maintain this level of performance."