UNB, Sylhet :
Hosts Bangladesh will play holders India in the 3rd SAFF U-16 Championship today (Thursday) at the Sylhet Stadium to decide the Group A champions.
Both the teams have already confirmed the semifinal berth from Group A after winning their first group match against Sri Lanka. India crushed Sri Lanka by 5-0 goals while Bangladesh outplayed Sri Lanka by 4-0 goals.
Hosts Bangladesh need a win to be group champions while defending champions India require just a draw to clinch the group title.
Ahead of the Thursday’s match, Bangladesh coach Syed Golam Zillani said, “We have a respect for all the participating teams, including India. We are capable to fight against any team without giving any space, and I think we are the favourite.”
“We missed a lot of easy chances in the previous match due to poor finishing. Now we want to play a good football against India overcoming our lapses of the last match,” he added.
Bangladesh captain Shawon Hossain said, “We do take any team lightly. India is the defending champions and very strong side, but we are very confident this time and have the ability to beat any team.”
Indian coach Bithan Singh said, “We have respect for our rivals, every match is of the same important to us. All players are confident and we are ready to fight.”
Indian captain PS Gilli said, “We watched the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka match where Bangladesh emerged very strong side, but our confident level is very high and we are ready to make a good fight.”
