‘Not Messi or Yamal, I want Farhaan to make his own name': Jamal asks fans to be cautious with comparisons
Jamal Bhuyan has asked supporters to stop comparing Farhaan Ali Wahid with Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, after the youngster’s solo goal in the 4-0 win over Sri Lanka at the National Stadium.
Farhaan scored in the 53rd minute, taking a pass from Shamit Shome outside the box and cutting in from the left. He dribbled past a string of Sri Lankan defenders before beating the goalkeeper, and it was Bangladesh’s third goal of the night.
Social media users quickly likened the finish to the solo goals regularly scored by Messi and Yamal.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Jamal, who rated it among the best he has seen at the stadium, said he wants Farhaan to build his own identity instead.
“I want Farhaan to build his own profile. There is no need to compare him with other players. Bangladesh supporters always say, ‘Our Messi’, ‘Our Lamine Yamal’. But I want him to make his own name. This is Farhaan Ali’s goal, not another player’s.”
Jamal placed the strike alongside Hamza Dewan Choudhury’s bicycle kick as one of the three best goals at the National Stadium.
Before the match, Sri Lanka coach Abdullah Al Mutairi had predicted that Farhaan would become the best footballer in South Asia over the next 10 years. It was Farhaan’s first appearance on home soil.
Bangladesh have yet to concede in the tournament, and Jamal was pleased with how the win came together. His attention has already turned to the semi-final.
“It was a good match. We scored four goals, which is a positive. We also managed to keep another clean sheet, so overall everyone is satisfied and happy. Now our main focus is on the match against Pakistan, because I think Pakistan are a stronger team than Sri Lanka.”
Hamza captained the side against Sri Lanka, and Jamal had warm words for his leadership and his standing in the game.
“Hamza deserved to be captain. He played well. He is probably the greatest player in Bangladesh’s history. Without a doubt, he is the biggest star and the best player in the team. I am very happy for Hamza.”
Bangladesh finished top of Group B with a perfect six points. They play Pakistan in the second semi-final on Saturday, November 14, with India and Bhutan meeting in the first. Jamal said the squad will need everyone, since matches come in quick succession.
Saad Uddin’s injury has added to that need. Jamal said he had heard the defender had ruptured his Achilles tendon, which would keep him out for at least a year, leaving Bangladesh searching for cover on the right.