Bangladesh’s Shamit Shome on Saturday said he is confident his team can control the midfield ahead of their derby-like AFC Asian Cup qualifying match against India this week.
The Canada-based midfielder hopes his first win in Bangladesh colours will come against the South Asian rivals on Tuesday night, after going winless in his first four matches since making his debut.
The encounter will take place at the National Stadium in Dhaka, where Bangladesh held their first training session Saturday following Thursday’s friendly against Nepal. Shamit spoke to reporters just before practice.
“Yes, we are confident in controlling the midfield. I think the whole team — goalkeeper, defence, midfield, forwards, in all positions — has the confidence that we can control the match, that we can win. We have performed well in the past matches, but we are not getting the win. We should get the win. Hopefully, we will get it this time,” Shamit said.
The last meeting between the two sides took place in India last March, their opening fixture of the Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Group C campaign, which ended in a goalless draw.
Leicester City star Hamza Choudhury made a bright debut in that match, while Shamit was yet to confirm whether he would represent Bangladesh or Canada at the international level.
He made the decision shortly afterward and has since played four matches — three Asian Cup qualifiers against stronger Singapore and Hong Kong, and the friendly against Nepal.
Bangladesh have not beaten India in more than two decades, though five of the last six clashes have ended in draws.
“I know India are a good team, and we are a good team too,” said Shamit. “This match means a lot, doesn’t it? The rivalry we have… it will be a good competition, but we will be ready. Hopefully, we can win. We can play well and give a good performance.”
Bangladesh and India are already out of the Asian Cup qualifying race, but that has hardly affected fan interest as tickets for the high-stakes fixture sold out within six minutes.
