BD girls outclass India in opener

Bangladesh's bid to defend the AFC U-14 Girls' Regional Championship got off to a brilliant start as they handed a 3-1 defeat to their Indian counterparts in their opening Group B encounter at the Aviator Stadium in Dushanbe, Tajikistan yesterday.

From the outset, Bangladesh girls, according to coach Golam Rabbani Choton, established their superiority over the Indians, who had never previously lost against Bangladesh at any level of women's football. Bangladesh took a deserved lead in the 34th minute through a strike from midfielder Tahura Khatun. Maria Manda doubled the margin three minutes from the break before Tahura established a commanding 3-0 lead in the 48th minute.

India pulled one back two minutes later, but that wasn't enough for the South Asian powerhouse to avoid their first defeat to Bangladesh. The two sides had shared a 1-1 draw in the last edition of the championship.

“The girls played really well throughout the match against the mighty Indians and executed the plan well in a 4-3-3 formation. The margin of victory could have been 6-1 had Tahura and captain Marzia not squandered three chances,” said Choton over phone.

“Tahura and Monika put up brilliant performances while Anai Mogini defended well throughout the game. Anuching Mogini also threatened the opposition with her relentless running,” Choton added.

Bangladesh will play their second and final group match against Nepal on April 28.