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Booters aim to break the final jinx against India

AL MUSABBIR SADI from Karachi
There were instant celebrations as soon as Bangladesh won the second semifinal against hosts Pakistan at the People's Sports Complex Stadium on Wednesday. But when the boys of
Diego Cruciani came out of the dressing room after having a nice shower they announced that they were holding back the party till the final against India on December 17.
Although Bangladesh enjoyed the night at an official dinner hosted by the Pakistan Football Federation at the Beach Luxury Hotel, they stuck to the coach's strict instructions to avoid any spicy food.
Back at the team hotel, they were more focused about the one last fight against India, who never lost to Bangladesh in any regional football final.
India won the SAF Games final in 1985 and 1995 against Bangladesh. They also lifted the inaugural SAFF Championship in 1999.
“Against India it would be a game of nerves. We have to play our normal game if we are to win the final,” said ace striker Alfaz Ahmed, who slammed the match winner against hosts Nepal as Bangladesh lifted their first trophy in regional
football at the 1999 SAF Games.
“I would be the happiest man if my goal brings another trophy for the country,” said the veteran, who has slowed down over the years and also finds it difficult to cope with the pressure-game for full 90 minutes.
“I have been playing as a striker for long. The new coach has set me as a free midfielder. It needs hard work and more stamina. But I have taken the challenge of attacking as well as running behind to defend. I don't have any partner in this new formation and may be working alone tires me. I am happy that the coach still relies on me for this key position.
“I love scoring goals but as one of the senior players of the side, I have to perform the duty that has been put on me. It's a team game and I cannot disturb the flow by trying to satisfy my own desires.”
Another key player Rajani, who was outstanding in the semifinal against Pakistan, has never featured in Bangladesh's two triumphs, in 1999 and in the 2003 SAFF Championship at home for suspension.
“I was on a yellow card and I was very cautious. I never wanted to miss the show again. My wife (Mousumi Barman Pinky) who lives in Kolkata called me and said that we have to beat India. I feel Baichung Bhutia would be the man I have to mark. If I am successful, we will win the trophy,” said a confident
Rajani.
Striker Farhad scored the first two goals for Bangladesh in the meet and felt that Pakistan were at their best against Bangladesh in the semis.
“They used the advantage of their height and we toiled hard. I know we drew the group-match with India but you can't compare it with the final. It would be a different ball game,” the shaven-headed forward said.
His striking partner Kanchan was also cautious after starting the game on one booking. “I did not want to miss out. We need our full strength to beat India and having ousted a strong Pakistan, I feel that we have the ability to do that,” said Kanchan, who fired twice in Bangladesh’s 2-0 defeat of Nepal.
Parvez Babu, who replaced Titu in the semis after the fullback -having earned a penalty -- had to retire for back pain, said that unity, planning, speed and tips from coach are being reflected in Bangladesh's game. “We can give back the goals now, we can hold even a slim lead which was not the case in our football in the past. We have to maintain this flow in the final as well.”
According to second-choice goalkeeper Biplab, hero of Bangladesh's 1999 SAF Games,
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neutralising Baichung would be the key. “He makes the difference. Our centre-backs (Sujan and Rajani) can do it and also, our recent record is better against them,” he said.
Hassan Al Mamun, who captained the team in the 2003 final against Maldives in Rajani's absence, said that one needsluck to win a title.
“We have been playing together for long and India have not done well against this batch. With a little luck, we can repeat that.”
Star goalkeeper Aminul was thinking of nothing but winning. “I think we don't have to make plans for them. It's India who would be planning to stop us.”
“Our hard work has brought us this far. We have to harvest on it now,” said playmaker Arman.
Matiur Munna's spectacular golden goal won Bangladesh the semifinal over India when the two teams met in the SAFF Championship in 2003 and the indefatigable midfielder felt they can't look back.
“It's a new game but I feel we will get the local support and the final would be in our favour.”