AFC U-16 Women’s Champs: Bangladesh to fly to Thailand

Bangladesh Under-16 Women’s National Football team will fly to Thailand on Thursday to participate in the eight-team AFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2019, reports UNB.

The tournament will begin on 15 September at Chonburi Stadium. It is a qualifying meet for FIFA Under-17 Women World Cup 2020.

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) announced a 31-member squad, comprising of 23 women booters and eight officials, in a pre-tour press conference at BFF House in Motijheel on Tuesday.

Bangladesh team will conduct a 10-day preparation camp in the Thai city ahead of the main competition.

During the preparatory camp, they will play three practice matches against two Thai clubs. The first two are against Chonburi FC Women’s team on 6 and 9 September while the other match against Kasetsart University Women’s team is scheduled for 11 September.

Earlier, Bangladesh were put in Group A alongside hosts Thailand, Japan and Australia while Group B comprises defending champions North Korea, runners-up South Korea, China PR and Vietnam.

The champions and runners-up teams of the eight-team qualifying round will represent Asia alongside hosts India in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2020.

Bangladesh will start their campaign taking on hosts Thailand in the opening match on 15 September at Chonburi Stadium. Bangladesh will face Japan on 18 September and Australia on 21 September, both at Chonburi.

Addressing the media, head coach Golam Rabbani Chhoton said the players are fully prepared. “The first match is very important for us. We want to start our campaign beating the hosts.”

About their preparation, he said: “We’ve enough experience of playing international matches. We’ve some experienced players in the squad. Another good thing is that we get to play three practice matches ahead of the competition. It’ll help us.”

Bangladesh under-16 Women’s Football team captain Maria Manda said, “All of the group matches are important for us, but we’re focusing on our opening match against the hosts. We want to win it.”

BFF Women's Wing chairman and FIFA council Mahfuza Akter Kiron, team leader Zakir Hossain Chowdhury, team manager Amirul Islam Babu, BFF technical director Paul Smalley, assistant coach Mahbubur Rahman Litu, head of communication and branding of Dhaka Bank Ltd Khandakar Anwar Ehtesham and vice-captain Akhi Khatun were also present on the occasion.

Bangladesh players: Mahmuda Akhter, Rupna Chakma, Yasmin Akther, Akhi Khatun (VC), Nazma, Anai Mogini, Nilufa Yesmin Nila, Ritu Porna Chakma, Maria Manda (C), Monika Chakma, Monne Akter, Laboni Akter, Sohagi Kisku, Sultana, Anuching Mogini, Nouson Jahan, Rehena Akther, Sheheda Akter Ripa, Shamsunnahar, Tohura Khatun, Shamsunnahar, Rojina Akther, Sajeda Khatun.