Hosts Bangladesh expressed their confidence to reach to the semi-finals of the SAFF Under-16 Football Championship as group champions by defeating defending champions India today.
Earlier, both the sides confirmed their semi-final berth from Group-A with convincing wins over Sri Lanka in their respective opening games.As a result, today’s encounter between the two sides turned into a mere battle of group decider.
The match will kick-off at 5:00pm at the Sylhet District Stadium.
Even though Bangladesh managed a comfortable 4-0 win over Sri Lanka on Tuesday, their coach Syed Golam Jilani was not happy with his frontline.
‘We wasted some easy scoring chances against Sri Lanka,’ said Jilani. ‘But we have worked to rectify the mistakes and hopefully they [forwards] will prove their worth against India.’
Jilani, however, thinks that his side is favorites to lift the title.
‘We have a huge respect for our opponents but I think we are favourites to win the title,’ said a confident Bangladesh coach.
‘The continuous support from the people of Sylhet has inspired us to play better in the first match and I hope they will continue their support again in tomorrow’s [today] match.’
India, on the other hand, seemed to be in top form after their 5-0 thrashing of Sri Lanka in the opening match.
Indian coach Bitan Singh Ngangkham claimed his charges are ready to take on the home side.
‘We have total respect for our opponents as they [Bangladesh] are a very strong team,’ said the Indian coach.
‘But my boys are ready to continue their superb form that they showed in the previous match.’
Meanwhile, Afghanistan on Wednesday registered a 4-2 win over the Maldives to confirm their semi-final spot from the Group-B alongside Nepal.
Naser Amini scored a brace for Afghanistan and Shayeq Hakeme and Sher Ahmed Hamedi added one goal apiece while Yanish Adil and Ismail Amir netted one goal each for the Maldives.
-With New Age input
