Inspired BD pumped up for Maldives challenge

Dhaka, September 19: After staging an incredible comeback in the first match against India, Bangladesh u18 team is all set to face Maldives in the SAFF U18 Championship match in Bhutan on Wednesday.

Bangladesh boys were three goals down in the first half but fought back in the second half to beat regional powerhouse India 4-3 on Monday.

Meanwhile, Maldives lost their first match to host Bhutan 1-0.

Bangladesh head coach Mahbubur Rahman Roksy said they were not carried away by the flying start in the tournament.

“Our next match is with Maldives and we are not under estimating them in any way.”

“We have seen their match and they are very good team,” he said.

The Bangladesh coach also added that they want to focus on upcoming matches one by one. “We are now in a good position to will the championship fight. All our focus is on winning the trophy so we are ready to play three upcoming matches.”

Bangladesh skipper Tutul Ahmed Badsha emphasized on not repeating the mistakes that they did against India. “We did a lot of silly mistakes in the first half against India, we will not certainly repeat them in the next game.”

“We are more focused & confident and serious now about the tournament. Our concentration is now to win the prestigious trophy for our country.”

In the remaining group matches, Bangladesh will face Nepal on September 25 and the last group matches against Bhutan on September 27.

The five nation tournament is playing in round-robin system and the top team of the group will be declared champions followed by runners-up and third place team.

Sri Lanka has opted out of the meet while Pakistan failed to turn up due to their internal turmoil.