Bangladesh U-23 Football Coach Kamal Babu Frustrated After Loss to Vietnam

Staff Reporter | PNN

In the first match of the AFC U-23 Football Group Stage qualifiers in Vietnam, Bangladesh lost 0-2 to the host team. Watching the game live, football coach Kamal Babu expressed deep disappointment over the performance of Bangladesh’s young players.

With U-23 head coach Saiful Bari Titu hospitalized due to illness, assistant coach Hasan Al Mamun managed the team during the match. Bangladesh players were unable to perform effectively in attack against Vietnam’s young footballers. Players including Rimon, Zahid, Zayan Ahmed, Akash, Shakil Ahad Topu, Mojibur Rahman Joni, and Kuba Michel failed to deliver their best performance.

Hasan Al Mamun said, “We tried to play according to our plan and strength, but Vietnam did not allow us to implement it. We attempted attacks through both wings, but we couldn’t finish effectively.”

Kamal Babu commented that Bangladesh’s U-23 team lacked planning and organization. He said, “Other countries move forward with proper plans, but we had no clear strategy. It is evident that coaches Kaiser and Zulfikar Mahmud Mintu did not agree to take responsibility for this team.”

He further added, “Football is in our blood; we are Bengalis. Watching the country’s football breaks my heart. Academic qualifications and coaching ability are not the same. To be a true coach requires hard work and sacrifice.”

Bangladesh U-23 now needs to increase planning and preparation for the next match against Vietnam to achieve positive results for the future of the country’s football.