As Bangladesh prepare for a high-pressure Asian Cup qualifying match against India, the biggest talking point is not the attack or midfield—but the goalkeeper. And once again, Javier Cabrera has chosen to place his trust in Mitul Marma, despite a string of costly errors that have drawn sharp scrutiny.
When Anisur Rahman Zico was suspended, Mitul became the automatic first-choice keeper. For a while, the decision seemed justified. But the turning point came in September. A day before facing Singapore, Mitul received tragic news: his elder brother had passed away. Though he bravely chose to play, the emotional burden clearly affected his concentration. Bangladesh conceded twice directly from his mistakes and lost the match.
The nervousness persisted. Against Hong Kong, he looked uncertain under pressure. Against Nepal, his misjudgement in the dying minutes denied Bangladesh a well-deserved win. These recurring errors have prompted many to question Cabrera’s loyalty to the young player. Critics argue that alternative keepers—Mehedi Hasan Shravon or Sujon Hossain—deserve a chance, especially in high-stakes matches.
Yet Cabrera remains unwavering. He confirmed in yesterday’s press briefing that Mitul will start against India. His reasoning appears rooted in continuity: Mitul has played every minute of Bangladesh’s four qualifying matches and has accumulated 18 caps despite being just 21. Cabrera seems to believe that experience under pressure will accelerate his development.
Mitul himself publicly apologised to supporters after the Singapore defeat, writing that he had tried to give his best while mourning his brother. His honesty earned him sympathy, but sympathy cannot prevent goals. Bangladesh have now conceded late equalisers in consecutive matches.
Tonight, Mitul faces perhaps the biggest test of his young career. He must silence the critics, repay his coach’s trust, and prove that he can be more than a promising talent—he must show he can be relied upon at the highest level.