Dhaka: As the SAFF U-20 Women’s Football Championship begins tomorrow, Bangladesh team captain Afeida Khandakar emphasized the competitive nature of the tournament, stating that no team should be underestimated. Speaking at a pre-match press conference held at a city hotel, she stressed the importance of taking every opponent seriously.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Afeida expressed confidence in her team’s preparation despite limited training time after returning from Myanmar. The Bangladesh team, fresh from qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup final stage, is eager to showcase their skills in this age-level competition. Afeida reiterated that their primary goal is to win the SAFF title, reaffirming their commitment to perform strongly against all participating teams.
Bangladesh head coach Peter James Butler considers the SAFF tournament a key development opportunity for young players. He highlighted the inclusion of seven senior team players in the squad as a strategic move for team development. Sri Lankan head coach Shirantha Kumara acknowledged Bangladesh as a strong contender and expressed hope for a commendable performance from his team, which comprises mostly new players making their international debut.
Nepal’s head coach Yam Prasad Gurung and captain Birsana Chaudhary conveyed respect for all teams and a determination to win the SAFF title. Meanwhile, Bhutan’s head coach Tanka Maya Ghallay and captain Tshendu Tshering Pelzom shared their excitement and optimism for the tournament.
As the teams gear up for the competition, the SAFF U-20 Women’s Football Championship promises to be a platform for emerging talents from South Asian countries to shine.