‘Hardly any difference’
Bangladesh were not left to rue the absence of forwards Sirat Jahan Swapna and Krishna Rani Sarker as the hosts notched a 3-0 win in their Bangamata U-19 Women’s International Gold Cup semifinal encounter with Mongolia in Dhaka yesterday.
Bangladesh coach Golam Rabbani Choton said that although they were anxious over the pair’s absence, they were glad to see that it made little to no impact.
“Although many were anxious over the absence of Swapna and Krishna, I did not have to worry because there was hardly any difference among the players in our squad. Sajeda was not up to mark in the first half but that’s why we sent in Tahura Khatun, who along with Marzia unsettled the opponent backline, especially in the second half,” Choton said during the post-match press conference. “Tahura’s movement in the danger zone puzzled the opposition defenders. Tahura and Marzia played really well in the second half, scoring one goal each after a brilliant strike from Monica Chakma.”
Choton also felt that the team’s finishing against Mongolia was better that what they had displayed in the matches against the United Arab Emirates and Kyrgyzstan.
“I want to thank the girls for fulfilling our target of reaching the final while putting up good show in front of spectators, who relentlessly supported the girls from the gallery,” said Choton.
Monica was named the best player of the match as she struck the first goal and assisted the second for Marzia.
“I am really happy after being named the most valuable player. Please pray for me to do better in the final,” said Monica, who wanted to share the $500 prize purse with all her teammates because according to her, she could not have won the award without them.
Comments