After a thumping victory over Bhutan, Bangladesh
face favorite Russia in their second match of SAFF U-17 Women's Championship
scheduled to be held tomorrow (Wednesday) at Birshreshtha Shaheed Sepoy
Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Stadium in the city's Kamalapur area.
The match kicks off at 3.15 pm.
Russia, who are set to feature in the tournament for the first time as a
guest nation following its suspension by UEFA, is always tough opponent and
one of the favorite sides of the championship and it will not be an easy job
for skipper Ruma Akter and co. to accept the challenge. Although the girls
are excited and looking forward to play the match, following their stunning
performance crushing Bhutan 8-1 in their opening match of the championship.
Bangladesh is always favorite in home in any women's tournament but
Bangladesh's head coach Golam Robbani Chotan this time understood the reality
as his team is going to face a tough opponent. In his eyes, Russia is the
favorite in this tournament because among the five participating countries in
the tournament, Russia ranked 26 in FIFA ranking followed by India 61, Nepal
103, Bangladesh 140 and Bhutan 177.
Even though Russia is considered as favorite in the championship, but
Bangladesh want to do something good with their best. Except Nusrat Jahan
Mitu, Trishna Rani and Surovi Akand Preeti of the U-20 team, most of the
remaining players are the members of SAFF U-15 championship held in November
last year.
The girls have been making rigorous training with the seniors for this
tournament since January 1. Captain Ruma Akhtar said that their preparation
is good.
Only three teams took part in the SAFF U-15 championship with Bangladesh
finished runners-up, but this time the challenge is a little more for Golam
Robbani Choton because Bangladesh will have to face the strongest team in the
region India and European country Russia in this tournament.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha