Bangladesh take on host Bhutan in their crucial last match of the SAFF U-18 Championship scheduled to be held today (Wednesday) at Changlimithang Stadium, Thimphu.
The match kicks off at 4 pm.
Following commanding performances against tournament favorite India and Maldives, Bangladesh needed an outright win over Nepal to strengthen their claim on the regional trophy, but the boys in red and green failed to replicate that performance against Nepal after a 1-2 goal defeat in their third match as they played with a man less when defender Bishwanath Ghosh was sent in 53rd minutes.
Bangladesh’s hopes of a maiden SAFF received a heavy jolt after their 1-2 goal defeat against defending champions Nepal on Monday.
The defeat meant Bangladesh had to pay huge compensation as they slipped from the top of the five-team table on goal deference as four teams – India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan – have six points each from three outings.
If Bangladesh could register victory against Nepal, they would need only one point against Bhutan to confirm the title. But now the scenario is different as four teams are left with a chance of winning the title.
If Bangladesh able to manage win against Bhutan in the last match and India doesn’t lose against Nepal in the last match, Bangladesh will be champions, courtesy of their win against India.
On the other hand, Bhutan must be looking forward to pounce upon home against Bangladesh.
They have beaten the Maldives and Nepal both by an identical margin of 1-0 goal and suffered a 0-3 goal defeat to India in their third match. If they beat Bangladesh and the match between Nepal and India ends in a draw, then it will host Bhutan lifting the trophy.
While if Nepal, the defending champions managed to beat India then they will become champions irrespective of the other match results.
While India too has an opportunity to lift the title if they beat Nepal and Bangladesh and Bhutan ties ends in a draw then it will be the Indian side lifting the title.
