Bangladesh play Iran in the second match today
After a forgetful night the Bangladesh national women’s football team will now try to rebuild their confidence when they play against Iran in the AFC Women’s
Asian Cup qualifiers at the Bangabandhu National Stadium today.
Thailand will go up against the Philippines in the first match of the day at the Bangabandhu National Stadium at 4 pm before Bangladesh take on Iran at the same venue at 7 pm.
The Thais inflicted a massive 9-0 defeat over Bangladesh two days ago but the hosts will get a second chance today to improve their fortunes against Iran.
Bangladesh head coach Syed Golam Jilani was targeting at least a point from their second qualifying match against Iran, who are down on morale after enduring a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of the Philippines.
‘We have watched the video clips of the first two matches. We are trying to rectify our mistakes we have committed in the first match. Hopefully we will leave the field with at least a draw against Iran,’ said Jilani.
‘The difference between Bangladesh and Thailand is too big which was proved in the last game. We observed them in the first 10-15 minutes but after 15 minutes, they changed their strategy and we could not cope with it and lost the game,’ he added.
Iran, who are ranked 58th in the FIFA world rankings, failed to wrest the initiative away from the Philippines, a side positioned 25 places below them in the rankings but Helena Costa, the Portuguese coach of Iran is eyeing a comeback nonetheless.
‘There is no chance to take them [Bangladesh] lightly. We will give our best efforts against the hosts. Last match was unexpected and frustrating for us. The players were really upset. Now we want to forget the past and concentrate on Bangladesh,’ Helena said after the practice session at the Sheikh Jamal Academy field on Wednesday.
Helena though was not expectant of qualifying for the final round.
‘If only a miracle takes place, only then can we harbour any hopes of qualifying for the final round,’ said a dissatisfied Helena.
Meanwhile, the Iranian coach has complained to the AFC officials about the local hospitality. She claimed that they were encountering some accommodation problems and food was being served late on a regular basis.
Mahfuza Akter Kiron, chairman of the local organising committee, however, rejected Helena’s complaints and she stated that the Iranian team were provided excellent facilities along with the other teams but only Iran were creating baseless objections.
Meanwhile, the winner of the tie between Thailand and the Philippines will virtually be assured of a place in the final round which will take place sometime next year.
-With New Age input
