SAFF Championship 2011: Tenth Match Maldives Vs Bangladesh, Pre Match Preview

MALDIVES Imran Mohammed; Shafiu, Fazeel, Akram, Assad,; Umair, Shamveel, Hassan, Arif; Ashfaq, Thariq

BANGLADESH Mamun; Karim, Ariful, Sujan(c), Nasirul; Anik, Alam, Shahed, P Das Ameli, Komol

Bangladesh, the tournament's highest ranked team, currently is in last place in their group, after a draw with Pakistan and a 1-0 loss to Nepal. This match is a must win for them and they will be fighting tooth and nail to win it.

Bangladesh coach, Nikola Ilievski will have to inspire his boys to step up and deliver for the team when it matters the most.

Ilievski thinks that the Maldives midfield is the best in the competition with Ibrahim Fazeel and Md. Arif. He has also termed Ali Ashfaq as the danger man.

“We are just thinking of ourselves, our back is on the wall and we have only one thing to do- register a win,” said the Macedonian.

Maldives will hope that they match the expectations of their fans and manage to clinch vital three points. Although they have done well in patches, they do not look their usual self.

They have the potential to win the tournament but for that to happen, they first need to register a victory against Bangladesh. Whatever with two draw Maldives will play with high morals and can bring result in their favour. To watch the live streaming Video of the match clickhere. 

You also can get live update of the match clicking here

Facts about two Opponents: 

• Maldives has won the 2008 SAFF Championship beating the most successful team in the competition - India.

• After this win, which was the first major title for the country, the president declared a public holiday on 15 June 2008.

• Bangladesh have won the 2003 SAFF championship.

• Bangladesh will go through only if they win and Nepal defeat Pakistan. Any other scenario would see them eliminated.

• Bangladesh coach Nikola Ilievski has lead Macedonian team FK Pobeda at the UEFA Cup in 2000 and to the Macedonian First League title in 2003-04.

Last Five performance of Two Opponents: 

Field Report

 Maldives

 Bangladesh

Last Five Matches

Maldives
04-Dec-2011	Pakistan 0 - Maldives 0	SAFF
02-Dec-2011	Maldives 1 - Nepal 1	SAFF
28-Jul-2011	Maldives 0 - Iran 1	WCQA
23-Jul-2011	Iran 4 - Maldives 0	WCQA
10-Jul-2011	Maldives 1 - India 1	IF

Bangladesh
04-Dec-2011	Nepal 1 - Bangladesh 0	SAFF
02-Dec-2011	Bangladesh 0 - Pakistan 0	SAFF
28-Jul-2011	Bangladesh 2 - Lebanon 0	WCQA
23-Jul-2011	Lebanon 4 - Bangladesh 0	WCQA
25-Mar-2011	Bangladesh 0 - Philippines 3	ACC