Confident hosts face India today

A Bangladesh U-16 women's team player takes a spot kick as her teammates and coach look on during their training session at the BUET Ground yesterday. PHOTO: STAR

With two wins in two matches under their belt, a confident Bangladesh will take on pre-tournament favourites India in a crucial encounter of the AFC U-16 Women's Championship Qualifiers at the Bangabandhu National Stadium today.
Bangladesh, who have six points and sit just behind Iran due to an inferior goal difference, will want to keep their winning spree intact to keep their hopes of qualification for the final round alive. There will be no shortage of encouragement for the local lasses against India, who are yet to open their account, having lost against Iran in their first match.
“I have told them to play the way they have played so far in the tournament,” said Bangladesh coach Golam Rabbani Choton after the team's practice session yesterday.
“India are a very good side and they have some very good players. But we will play the way we have and will not take a defensive approach,” said Choton.