Booters need to beat SL today
Smarting from a lone-goal defeat against Pakistan, Bangladesh U-23 National Football team will be hoping to bounce back in the HE Mahinda Rajapakshe International Football Tournament when they take on hosts Sri Lanka at the Jayathalike Stadium in Nawalapitiya today.
The tie is a do-or-die affair for both the teams in a bid to staying alive in the four-nation tournament following defeats in their respective first matches. Hosts Sri Lanka will have the advantage of playing at their own ground, but Bangladesh have no alternative but to win against Sri Lanka.
“Even though this is Sri Lanka's home soil, I believe we have a good chance of winning the match. We lost to Pakistan due to the mistakes in defense but we don't want to look back. The players are fully focused on tomorrow's (Wednesday) match and we still believe we can produce good performance to ensure the final berth,†said Bangladesh coach Saiful Bari Titu yesterday
Despite a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Maldives, Sri Lanka coach Sampat Perera believes his charges would bounce back against Bangladesh and will play in the final.
“We know Bangladesh are a technically strong side. But definitely our team will show their mettle to fight neck to neck.â€
Sampat believes his side went down against Maldives due to defensive error which would not be repeated against Bangladesh.
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