Big blow for Bangladesh before the semi-final: Sad Uddin out for a year with a torn Achilles

Bangladesh have suffered a big blow before the SAFF Championship semi-final. Right-back Sad Uddin, who injured his ankle in the match against Sri Lanka, has torn his Achilles tendon. The national team defender is therefore being ruled out of the field for a long time.

Sad Uddin injured his ankle while playing in yesterday’s match against Sri Lanka. Rahmat Mia came on the field as his substitute in the 80th minute of the match.

At the post-match press conference itself, Bangladesh coach Thomas Dooley expressed concern, saying Sad’s tournament might be over right there.

Today, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of practice, experienced midfielder Jamal Bhuyan gave the latest update on Sad’s injury. Jamal said Sad will have to stay out of the field for a long time because his Achilles tendon has torn. Highlighting the severity of the injury, Jamal said he had heard Sad’s Achilles had torn, so he will be out of the field for at least a year.

Bangladesh have reached the semi-final as group champions, keeping clean sheets in two matches. Bangladesh’s opponents in the semi-final are Pakistan. Although everyone in the team is satisfied with the commanding win over Sri Lanka, Sad being ruled out before the semi-final battle has become a major concern for the defence.

Highlighting the importance of the whole squad being ready amid a packed match schedule, Jamal said the whole squad is needed. Because there was a match yesterday, and there is another match two days later. Now Sad Uddin is injured, and a backup will be needed there. He noted that Hridoy is playing as a centre-back, so the whole squad is needed.

Although the team is in high spirits after the commanding win in the last group match, Jamal is showing considerable respect to Pakistan in the semi-final to be held in just two days. Rating Pakistan as a stronger opponent than Sri Lanka, he said focus must now be kept on the Pakistan match, because in his view Pakistan are a better team than Sri Lanka.

In the same match, Farhan Ali Wahid caught the eye on his first appearance on home soil. He scored a dazzling goal against Sri Lanka at the National Stadium, which has created a stir. According to Jamal Bhuyan, Farhan still has a long way to go.

Bangladesh coach Thomas Dooley said after the match about 19-year-old winger Farhan that he had spoken to Farhan at half-time, telling him he should dribble inside the box. That is better for him than dribbling in front of his own goalpost, because losing the ball there can create danger.

Dooley also said there had been fouls a few times and the team had overcome them a few times, but it was a bit risky. Farhan’s strength should be used properly in attack. Calling his goal unbelievable in a word, Dooley said he was really very pleased with the fighting mentality and the team’s overall play.

Bangladesh have booked their semi-final ticket unbeaten with an outstanding performance against Sri Lanka. The red-and-green team have recorded a big 4-0 win over a country after a long seven years.