U-16s take on India

Bangladesh will begin their campaign to regain the title of the SAFF U-16 Championship when they take on the might of India in one of two matches of the opening day at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu today.

The match will start at 3:00pm (BST) before hosts Bhutan take on Pakistan at the same venue.

The boys in red and green got one more day to acclimatise with the chilly weather in Bhutan after the tournament was pushed back by a day. The charges of Saifur Rahman Moni had their final preparation yesterday ahead of the match against India, who beat Bangladesh 2-1 in the semifinals of the last edition in 2022.

"The first match of the tournament is always an important game, not just because of India. So, there will be pressure on the players. I believe the boys will try to do their best tomorrow for a good start," Moni said in a video message.

Prior to their departure for Bhutan, the coach had said that Bangladesh want to ensure the semifinals first.

Captain Nazmul Huda Faisal is happy to get one more day before the start.

"We have been struggling to adjust with the cold weather here. But, we got one more day due to the deferment and it is helping us acclimatise with the conditions," said Faisal.