Bangladesh will look to end their AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifying campaign on a high note when they will face the Philippines in their final game at the Bangabandhu National Stadium today.
The hosts displayed a marked improvement in the 2-0 loss to Iran in their second match on Thursday after a dreadful start to the tournament, suffering a 9-0 drubbing at the hands of hot favourites Thailand.
Thailand can confirm their berth in the final round with a draw in their final match against Iran. However, if Iran were to produce an upset and beat the Thais, it will all come down to the Bangladesh-Philippines match as goal difference will come into equation.
Thailand still has an advantage in this regard after scoring 10 goals in two matches and will look for a favour from Bangladesh if it finally comes down to goal difference.
Even after the completion of the Iran-Thailand clash, Bangladesh’s game against the Philippines will still bear some significance.
Bangladesh coach Syed Golam Jilani, however, is not concerned about the close race between the Thais and the Filipinos and is rather occupied with his own issues. This is for the first time that Bangladesh are playing matches against oppositions beyond the South Asian region which gave them an opportunity for a reality check.
‘In our match against Iran, we proved that we have the stamina to survive 90 minutes against top oppositions. Our strategy will be no different in the next match,’ said Jilani.
‘We know Philippines are stronger than Iran as they have more pace and skill. Our aim will be to concede as less goals as possible,’ added Jilani.
Thailand will play Iran in the first match of the day at 4:00pm while Bangladesh will take on the Philippines in their last qualifying match at 7:00pm at the big bowl.
-With New Age input
