The Bangladesh under-20 football team is preparing to take on Nepal in the semifinals on Wednesday. Ahead of the crucial match, players including Morshed and Ronan are focusing on recovery and team cohesion.
In a video message shared by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) on Sunday, Declan Sullivan spoke about the team’s mindset and preparations.
The 18-year-old defender from the Philadelphia Union Academy in the United States has not featured in either of Bangladesh’s two group stage matches. With the semifinals approaching, it remains uncertain whether Declan will play against Nepal.
Declan said, “Our recovery session with the team has just finished and it went really well. After a tough and important match, it’s always good to get the body active again. Our fight won’t stop. We have to win the next match and then aim to win the entire tournament. That is our goal.”
Forward Ibrahim Hasib Nawaz , who came on at the 90th minute against Pakistan in the first match, is also hopeful. He believes Bangladesh can defeat Nepal and secure a place in the final.
Bangladesh previously claimed the title in 2024 by defeating Nepal, and this year the team is aiming for another championship.
Goalkeeping coach Biplob Bhattacharjee said, “The last two matches have been physically demanding for our players. Now everyone is recovering. We have an important match ahead, and everything is being done to motivate the squad. Hopefully, we can beat Nepal in the semifinals and reach the final.”
