The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) on Monday announced a 20-member final squad for the 5th SAFF Championship to be held June 3-14 with Sri Lanka and the Maldives as co-hosts.

Custodian Aminul Haque has been named the captain of Bangladesh team, while another goalkeeper Biplob Bhatacharya made his deputy.

For the 5th SAFF Championship, Bangladesh have been placed in Group B with Afghanistan, Bhutan and co-host Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh will play Bhutan on June 4, Afghanistan on June 6 and Sri Lanka on June 8.

Bangladesh team leaves here today (Tuesday) for Thailand en route to Sri Lanka to play two preparation matches in Bangkok -- against the 2nd string Thai national team on May 28 and a club team May 30 -- before leaving for Sri Lanka on May 31.

"Our target is to regain the SAFF Championship title," national team coach Abu Yousuf said at a press conference at the BFF Bhaban this (Monday) afternoon.

"If my boys make all-out efforts, we will be able to retain the SAFF title," he said.

Yousuf said the two preparation matches in Bangkok would be plus point for his team. It would enable them to correct their mistakes before the championship.

About the group opponent Afghanistan, he said that if his boys give at least 70 percent, it would be possible to beat Afghanistan.

Replying to a question, the coach admitted that they have a fair chance of making a good start against Bhutan, a comparatively weaker team in the championship.

"But we will give more importance to hosts Sri Lanka as they are a very strong side," he told a questioner.

Bangladesh captain Aminul Haque said: "We're very hopeful about doing well in the SAFF (championship), as we have some talented players."

Replying to query, he said that initially their target in the championship would be to qualify for the semifinals. "Then we will think of the final."

Vice captain Biplob was highly optimistic to play the final in the SAFF championship. "If we can maintain our teamwork in the field, we'll be able to do something good," he said.

BFF vice president Badal Roy, who was present at the press conference, said the BFF would bear the entire expenses of treatment if any player gets injured during the SAFF championship.

Explaining the reason for making Aminul Haque the captain dropping Hasan Al Mamun, he said Aminul has been serving the national team for last 10-12 years. He is sufficiently qualified to lead the team.

Meanwhile, the national booters made their final practice at the Bangabandhu National Stadium this (Monday) afternoon. The practice sessions began on May 14.

In 2005 in Karachi, India emerged champion in the 4th SAFF Championship while Bangladesh finished runners-up.

Final squad: Aminul Haque (captain), Biplob Bhatacharya (vice-captain), Hasan Al Mamun, Ariful Islam, Rajani Kanta Barman, Arup Kumar Baidya, Atiqur Rahman Mishu, Kazi Mozammel Hossain Saikat, Enamul Haq Sharif, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Faisal Mahmud, Zahid Pervez Chowdhury, Mamunul Islam Mamun, Arif Khan Joy, Abul Hossain, Arman Aziz, Mehdi Hasan Uzzal, Zahid Hasan Emily and Abdul Baten Majumder Komol.

Officials: Team leader - Mohammad Shafiquzzaman, Manager -Sheikh Mohammad Aslam, Coach - Mohammad Abu Yousuf, Assistant coach - Golam Rabbani Chhotan, Physio - Dr Mahfuzullah Chisty, team staff - Mohammad Mohsin.