The stage is set for the SAFF U-20 Women's Football Tournament, commencing today (Friday), and the pre-tournament press conference yesterday (Thursday) offered a clear indication of the pecking order: Bangladesh are the undisputed team to beat.
Coaches from Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka all expressed profound respect for the host nation, with many effectively conceding Bangladesh's overwhelming favouritism.
Bhutan's coach, Thanaka Maya Ghali, began the press conference by congratulating Bangladesh on their historic qualification for the Asian Cup, a gesture that underscored the hosts' elevated status. Sri Lankan coach Srinatha Kumara went a step further, directly labelling Bangladesh as the tournament favourites and rightful contenders for the title. Among the visiting nations, only Nepal's coach, Yam Prasad Gurung, voiced aspirations for the championship, yet even he acknowledged Bangladesh's formidable presence.
Nepal, it must be noted, put up a commendable fight in the Asian Cup qualifiers, narrowly missing out on a spot after a tie-breaker. Interestingly, Nepal has opted against including any senior national team players in their U-20 squad, a strategic decision highlighted by coach Gurung: "We have no senior national team players in this squad. Players from this team will prepare and eventually move up to the national team." This approach contrasts sharply with Bangladesh's own squad selection.
Bangladesh's national team captain, Afida Khandakar, also leads the U-20 side, a unique scenario given the senior team's recent Asian Cup qualification and dreams of a World Cup berth. Despite these higher aspirations, Afida firmly stated the importance of the SAFF tournament: "We will play in the Asian Cup, but that doesn't mean we should underestimate SAFF. We are South Asian people, and we will play SAFF." Her coach, Peter Butler, echoed a more pragmatic view on squad selection: "Whether other teams have taken senior players or not is their business. We have included them for the improvement of our team."
As the defending champions of the four-nation SAFF U-20 tournament, Bangladesh's position as clear favourites is further cemented by the inclusion of seven senior national team players in their age-group squad. This strength in depth is likely to dictate tactical approaches from their opponents. Sri Lankan coach Srinatha openly admitted that his side lacks the attacking prowess to go toe-to-toe with Bangladesh, stating, "Truthfully, we don't have the ability to play attacking football against Bangladesh. Many of our players are U-18. We are here for the experience." Interestingly, unlike their men's team, the Sri Lankan women's squad does not feature expatriate players.
In Bhutan, the women's football league is currently active, with every player in their U-20 squad participating in it. Notably, ten senior Bangladeshi footballers are also plying their trade in the Bhutanese league.
Bhutan's captain, Shedu Teshring, at the press conference, even spoke of her experience playing alongside Bangladesh's Maria Manda, describing her as a "very good, dynamic player." Like Sri Lanka, Bhutan's primary objective in this tournament appears to be gaining valuable experience.
Historically, women's football supremacy in South Asia was contested primarily between India and Nepal.
With India absent from this tournament, the focus shifts to a renewed Bangladesh-Nepal rivalry. The tournament format dictates a round-robin league with no final; the team topping the points table after playing each opponent twice will be crowned champions.
Despite only a month and a half of preparation, Nepal's coach Prasad Gurung remains ambitious: "We want to be champions. Bangladesh is certainly a tough opponent, but we are still hopeful. This time, the matches are being played on grass pitches, unlike the turf at Kamalapur Stadium in Bangladesh in previous editions."
Both the Bangladesh coach and captain expressed their determination to retain the championship title. With key senior national team goal-scorers like Shamsunnahar, Ritu Porna, and Tohura not featuring in this U-20 squad, Coach Butler will be relying on the likes of Sagorika to lead the line and find the back of the net.
