Former champions Bangladesh U-16 women football team will take on two-time champion India in their second encounter of the SAFF Championship today (Tuesday) at 3:15 p.m. at the ANFA Complex in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Bangladesh overcame the first hurdle, defeating hosts Nepal by 2-0 at the ANFA Complex on Saturday.
Coach Saiful Bari Titu hopes his side will also win over tournament-hot favorite India. The coach feels that the match will be very crucial for the girls. The Red and Green wish to ensure the final by winning the match against India. So, it is a vital match for Orpita Biswas’ side.
The Bangladesh U-16’s have had a week-long training camp at BKSP before traveling to Nepal, where they are set to play a four-nation tournament that began on March 1.
Saiful Bari Titu laid emphasis on his team preparation, and the team practiced for two days in Nepal before their match. Titu said, “The first match was very important. We won the match, and we are now one step ahead in the final.” “India is a strong team. We lost to them by 0-1 at Changlimithang Stadium, Thimphu, in the 2022 final. We have a great chance to win, but I don’t say we will take revenge,” said the coach. Meanwhile, Indian coach Biby Thomas Muttath is happy that his side won against Minnows Bhutan by 0-7 goals in the opening match at the same venue on Friday.
He thinks that the match against Bangladesh will be a very tough one. Both sides have quality players and have a great chance to win. Biby totally depends on his strikers, Shveta Rani, Pearl Fernandes, and Anushka Kumari. These three players each scored two goals in the first outing. The coach hopes the strikers will keep their name and fame.