The maiden SAFF Under-19 Football Championship kicked-off on Thursday with hosts Nepal edging past Bhutan by 3-1 goals in the Group-A match at the All Nepal Football Association Complex in Kathmandu. Nepal’s national striker Bimal Gharti Magar smashed a hat-trick while Sonam Togbay pulled one goal back for Bhutan. Bangladesh, the third team of the group, will open their campaign with their match against Bhutan on Saturday.
Bangladesh coach Saiful Bari Titu closely monitored both the sides from the stands and said that it will be a tough task for his charges to overcome the hurdle of both Nepal and Bhutan.
‘As the hosts, Nepal obviously pose a strong challenge for us but I was really amazed to see the way Bhutan played,’ Titu told New Age over phone after the Thursday’s match.
‘Even though they [Bhutan] lost but they played really well. Nepal players usually play on the artificial turf of the ANFA academy complex so made their experience count.
Titu thinks that his side is technically better than their first match opponents, Bhutan.
‘Though their [Bhutan’s players] physical strength are better than us but we are better than them in terms of techniques and tactics,’ he said.
‘Three or four players are really talented in the Bhutan team and we will make special plan for them.’
Titu, however, admitted that his players are suffering with the altitude problems of Kathmandu.
‘The altitude is a big problem for us and we are trying to cope with the condition.
‘We have made some extra plans to overcome it. I told my players not to get fatigued by running needlessly.’
Titu also said the recent success of the Under-16 Bangladesh team in SAFF Championship boosted the reputation of his side.
‘After the success everyone is treating my team differently,’ Titu said.
-With New Age input
