PHOTO: BFF

SPORTS REPORTER

Bangladesh will look to build confidence from facing a ‘strong’ Vietnam side in a FIFA international friendly today, ahead of their Singapore tie, head coach Javier Cabrera said during a pre-match press conference in Hanoi on Wednesday.

The match will kick off at 6:00pm Bangladesh time.

The men in red and green face a formidable challenge against Vietnam, who are ranked 103rd in the world -- 78 places above Bangladesh -- in what will be their first international fixture of the year.

Having largely competed against South Asian opponents and lower-ranked Southeast Asian sides in recent years, Bangladesh will finally test themselves against one of the region’s most competitive outfits.

“Our main objective is to prepare for the upcoming official match against Singapore,” Cabrera said during the pre-match press conference in Hanoi on Wednesday. “Facing Vietnam is very important for us, as they are one of the strongest teams in Southeast Asia. Playing against them will help build our confidence.”

Vietnam are the reigning Southeast Asian champions, having won the title three times. While Bangladesh have played several matches against sides like Laos and Cambodia in recent times — often with positive results — and also faced other Southeast Asian teams with mixed outcomes, today’s match will be only the third meeting between Bangladesh and Vietnam.

The two sides previously met during the 2002 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Dammam in 2001, where Bangladesh held Vietnam to a goalless draw in the first encounter before suffering a 4-0 defeat a few days later.

Cabrera also acknowledged the strength of the hosts’ current squad, which includes naturalised players like Xuan Son and Hoang Hen.

Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuyan, meanwhile, struck a more optimistic tone about the prospect of a competitive match.

“It will be a difficult match, but Bangladesh are improving. We believe we have the ability to compete with Vietnam,” Jamal said.

Vietnam head coach Kim Sang Sik said their target is victory, although he acknowledged Bangladesh’s recent progress.

“Bangladesh have changed a lot compared to last year, from the coaching staff to the squad, especially with the addition of players competing abroad… I believe their current squad is much stronger than before,” he said, adding that his team is “analysing videos of Hamza Choudhury to find ways to deal with his strengths.”

The arrival of Hamza on Tuesday has boosted Bangladesh’s squad, but Cabrera remained cautious about his immediate involvement.

“Hamza only arrived yesterday afternoon. He is doing well, but needs time to adjust to the weather and time zone. We will assess and consider his availability for the match,” the Spaniard said.