Dragons face Slovenia tonight: Friendly clash in Celje without several key players

(Patria) - The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team will play a friendly match against Slovenia tonight in Celje. The match comes after the Dragons' lackluster performance against San Marino in the World Cup qualifiers, where they barely secured a narrow 1:0 victory.

The duel with Slovenia presents a good opportunity for redemption and team integration, although coach Sergej Barbarez will be significantly weakened. Experienced players Edin Džeko, Ermedin Demirović, Ermin Bičakčić, and Ivan Šunjić have been given rest for this match, while Haris Hajradinović is out due to injury. Additionally, Denis Huseinbašić has left the preparations as he does not feel mentally ready to play.

Despite the absences, the match against Slovenia comes as a real test, given that Bosnia traditionally records good results against this team. However, the timing at the end of the season and the lack of regular starters leave a question mark over how much concrete conclusions the coach and his staff can draw.

The hosts will also not field their strongest lineup. Slovenia will play without captain Jan Oblak, striker Benjamin Šeško, and midfielder Adam Gnezda Čerin.

Interestingly, a large support from Bosnian fans is expected again tonight in Celje, who often outshout the home supporters in duels with the Slovenian national team.

The match Slovenia - Bosnia and Herzegovina is scheduled for today at 6 PM at the Z'dežele Stadium in Celje.

Direct TV broadcast is provided by the state television BHT 1