The Bangladesh U-17 women’s football team will begin their SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship campaign today as they take on hosts Bhutan in Thimphu.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 6 pm Bangladesh Standard Time (BST) at the Changlimithang Stadium. Earlier in the day, India will face Nepal in the first fixture at 3 pm.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Thimphu on Tuesday, head coach Mahbubur Rahman Litu said his players are improving every day and he expects a good performance in the tournament. He also expressed hope that the girls will gain valuable experience from the competition.
Team captain Arpita Biswas said the players had worked hard during their one-and-a-half-month training camp and would aim to perform well in every match. She added that the team hopes to learn from the tournament while giving their best on the pitch.
The championship will follow a double round-robin format, with all four teams playing each other twice.
Bangladesh will face India in their second match on 22 August, followed by fixtures against Nepal on 24 and 27 August, Bhutan again on 29 August and India once more on 31 August. All matches will take place at the same venue.
Bangladesh U-17 squad:
Yearzan Begum, Meghla Rani Roy, Tania Akter Fomi, Arpita Biswas, Fatema Akter, Umma Kulsum, Arifa Akter, Mst. Almina, Mst. Resme Akther, Thuinuye Marma, Sauravi Akanda Prity, Kranuching Marma, Reya, Alpi Akter, Protima Rani Joba, Sorovi Rani, Mamoni Chakma, Ishita Tripura, Purnima Marma and Mst. Amena Khatun.