The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the rivalry between India and Bangladesh as the two nations clash in the opening match of the SAFF U17 Championship on Friday. India, the reigning champions, will be looking to kick off their title defense with a resounding victory at the Changlimithang Stadium in Bhutan. The Blue Colts are riding high on the back of their triumphant 2022 campaign, where they defeated Bangladesh in both the opening match and the final.
Head coach Ishfaq Ahmed, who has retained 16 players from the 2022 winning squad, is confident in his team’s ability to start the tournament on a strong note. “We expect a tough match against Bangladesh. We’re happy to face them. I want our players to be tested and we know that Bangladesh is not an easy team to play. But we are confident of making a positive start. Let’s hope that everybody enjoys good football tomorrow,” Ahmed said during the pre-tournament press conference.
Midfielder Ngamgouhou Mate, who played a pivotal role in last year’s triumph, is also excited to get the tournament underway. “We’re back here after a year. Tomorrow, against Bangladesh, we want to get going right off the bat. We’re hoping for a positive result,” the 16-year-old captain stated.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh, under the leadership of head coach Saiful Bari Titu, is eager to prove their mettle in their first age-group tournament together. Titu, who led Bangladesh to the SAFF U19 and U16 Women’s Championship title earlier this year, sees this tournament as an excellent opportunity for his young players to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience. “These tournaments provide a good opportunity for young players to show their technical skills and it’s always good to get that experience. We will try to show ourselves as a strong contender. We want to go step by step, first match first. Our focus is how to compete with India, which is the defending champion. We hope to put on a show and get points tomorrow,” Titu shared.
The SAFF U17 Championship is expected to be a fiercely contested affair, with both India and Bangladesh eager to make their mark on the international stage. As the tournament progresses, the Blue Colts will also be keeping an eye on the upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Thailand in October. This tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle for football enthusiasts and a platform for young players to showcase their potential and make a name for themselves on the global stage.
