UNB, Sylhet :With a sweet memory of beating India by 2-1 goals in their group match, hosts Bangladesh will play holders India in their first-ever final of the six-nation SAFF U-16 Championship today (Tuesday) at the Sylhet Stadium here in a hope to clinch the maiden title. The final match will kick-off at 5 pm. Bangladesh made their first-ever final berth in the 3rd version of the SAFF U-16 Championship with an all-win record eliminating Afghanistan 1-0 in the first semifinal while India managed the final berth eliminating Nepal by 1-0 goal in the 2nd semifinal, both on Sunday Earlier, Bangladesh became 4th in the inaugural meet and finished 3rd in the 2nd version of the regional soccer youth meet. Ahead of the Tuesday’s final against India, Bangladesh captain Shawon Hossain said, “We worked hard for the last few days to win the final, and we are now ready to give our best ( Tuesday) to be the champions, despite India being a good side.” Bangladesh coach Syed Golam Zilani said, “We have respect for India, they reached the final as a good side, but we are capable to win the final if our players give their best.”India coach Bithan Singh said, “We are very lucky to reach the final scoring an early goal in a close semifinal (against Nepal), the final match against hosts Bangladesh will be a tough one, but our players have the ability to win any match.” Indian captain said, “The final match against hosts Bangladesh will be a keenly contested one, but the Bangladesh team will enjoy home advantage with huge crowd support, but we are also mentally prepared for the situation.” Bangladesh U-16 team on Monday visited the Mazar Sharif of Hazrat Shah Jalal and Hazrat Shah Paran. Earlier, hosts Bangladesh confirmed the semifinal berth in the South Asian soccer meet from group A eliminating all-losers Sri Lanka by 4-0 goals in the first match on August 11 and later they shocked defending champions India by 2-1 goals in the last group match to be the group champion August 13. India also assured the semifinal berth from the same group beating Sri Lanka by 5-0 goals in the tournament opener on August 9.
