The Spaniard, who led Bangladesh to a first semifinal in the regional event for the first time in 14 years only to lose the last-four battle against Kuwait in extra time, said he was disappointed of the end result but proud of the performance from the charges.

Javier Cabrera's troops are brimming with confidence, having secured a semifinal berth for the first time in 14 years in the regional football extravaganza. The booters now have their sights on the final -- which Bangladesh last reached almost two decades ago in Pakistan in 2005

Tariq, who picked up a shin injury soon after giving Bangladesh a lead against Maldives on June 25, went through four days of rest before Friday's training session.

Bangladesh have already achieved their SAFF Championship objective -- reaching the semifinal this edition. But following inspirational performances in the final two group games, against Maldives and Bhutan, Jamal Bhuiyan and Co. are now aiming to go even further as they take on Kuwait, arguably the toughest team in the tournament, in Saturday’s first semifinal at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.

Rakib and Morsalin are happy with back-to-back goals in the SAFF Championship and want to contribute in Bangladesh’s victories in coming days.

Rahmat Mia may replace injured Tariq Kazi while Sheikh Morsalin, scored the third goal in their 3-1 win against Maldives, is likely to replace Faisal Ahmed Fahim up front.

Playing a possession-based game appeared a pipe dream given the showings, despite the fact that Cabrera's charges had shown signs of improvement and their fighting character in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in Malaysia last year.

Bangladesh’s Spanish coach Javier Cabrera was more impressed with the way Bhutan played in their SAFF Championship Group B game against Maldives.

Bangladesh players usually make a lot of fun at the dressing room during international matches but a panic had set in ahead of their crucial SAFF Championship encounter against Maldives at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru yesterday.

Bangladesh made two changes to the playing eleven against Maldives, bringing on Rakib Hossain and Mohammad Ridoy in place of Suman Reza and Mojibur Rahman Jony. 

Bangladesh coach Javier Cabrera appeared to be taking a contemplative walk around the artificial turf at the Karnataka State Association Stadium in Bengaluru with his head bowed and his hands behind his back before starting the final preparations for today's SAFF Championship match against Maldives.

Javier Cabrera believes the heartbreaking defeat against Lebanon will only make his side stronger.

Bangladesh coach Javier Cabrera was disappointed with the 2-0 loss against Lebanon but expressed pride in the fight his charges showed against a much superior side in a SAFF Championship encounter at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru yesterday.

"Obviously, we are happy with the win. But in terms of ball control and overall competency, we must improve," Cabrera said after the game

Bangladesh head coach Javier Cabrera will make his last attempt to figure out the right combination and fine-tune playing eleven before the upcoming SAFF Championship when his charges take on hosts Cambodia in Phnom Penh today.

Spanish coach Javier Cabrera yesterday vowed to take Bangladesh to the semifinals of the upcoming SAFF Championship after surprisingly dropping striker Eleta Kingsley and in-form forward Sazzad Hossain as he announced his final 23-member squad for the regional football extravaganza, set to begin from June 21 in Bengaluru.

As Bangladesh coach Javier Cabrera set his sights on the semifinal berth of comparatively tough SAFF Championship on the first day of the training session yesterday, the decades-long goal-scoring problem of the national football team is expected to play in the mind of the Spaniard.

Bashundhara Kings midfielder Sheikh Morsalin and Mohammedan forward Sazzad Hossen were drafted in place of Bashundhara's injured duo – Matin Mia and Saad Uddin. Sazzad has already represented Bangladesh but young Morsalin is yet to wear the red and green jersey

Bangladesh coach Javier Cabrera took a positive view of the draw for the upcoming SAFF Championship and said he wants to grab the opportunity to advance to the semifinals of the regional football event, which is scheduled for June 21 to July 4 in Bengaluru, India.

Javier Cabrera, the head coach of the national team, said the players were rewarded for their performance in the ongoing season.