Murshedy: Change in mindset biggest positive of title win

BFF senior vice president Abdus Salam Murshedy said the biggest positive of the Bangladesh girls' title success was their change in mindset. Prior to the start of the Saff U-15 Championship, the girls in red and green sounded out their intention of maintaining 100% winning record in the age-level competition, as well as exhibit entertaining football. The young girls duly lived upto their promise, scoring 13 goals and conceding none en route to the title win, which was, as promised earlier, achieved with a 100% record. Owing to their free-flowing football, opposition sides in the form of India, Nepal and Bhutan often employed defensive tactics to stifle Bangladesh. And Murshedy said it was refreshing to see the home side overcome the hurdles with short and quick passes, rather than taking route one – delivering long balls to the attackers – which is at times referred to as a negative approach.

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“What was most impressing about the girls was that they remained calm and collected in the face of some defensive tactics from the opposition. Previously, out of desperation to break the deadlock, we played long balls to the forward line more often than not. But now we play short and quick passes. This change in mindset is our biggest positive from this tournament,” Murshedy told Dhaka Tribune Thursday. Murshedy said Bangladesh have gradually improved in the age-level tournaments, and that the country is currently enjoying an influx in the pipeline for future national team prospects which will enhance further following the girls' triumph. “We have been able to successfully follow the year-long calendar of the age-level sides. More and more future Bangladesh stars are amazing. The girls' triumph will inspire many others. I am elated with their success. It was a brilliant achievement,” said Murshedy, a former star national footballer himself. The likes of defender Akhi Khatun, midfielder Monika Chakma and attacker Tohura Khatun shone brightly for the host but Murshedy refused to single out any individual for special praise, instead heaping appreciation on the entire team.

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“Understanding was good. Team spirit and level of confidence are extremely important. There was no one single brilliant player. The whole team played exceptionally well. The chemistry was good,” he said. That Bangladesh were triumphant in the month of victory was double cause for joy, Murshedy said.