Bangladesh women’s football team are looking forward to see how they cope under new head coach amid injury and fatigue, while Chinese Taipei seem to be thrilled for the maiden international match of the year as the Kings Arena braces to host the two sides in the first of two FIFA friendlies Friday.
Sabina Khatun and Co have seen the change of coaching mentors on at least two occasions over the past two years since they won the SAFF Championship 2022 before James Butler took the responsibility three months ago as the English tactician expects a “very tough” contest.
Taipei (40th) are currently 100 places above the home side (140th) in the latest FIFA rankings but Butler warned not to get misled by this fact which he thought would not have any effect on the pitch.
“Don't get misled by FIFA rankings,” said Butler while replying to a query at the pre-match presser Thursday, adding: “Chinese Taipei are a fulltime group. They are well settled, very hard working and very organized. It will be a very tough game but it would be a challenge and great opportunity for our girls too.”
Talismanic midfielder Maria Manda’s injury Tuesday night and goalkeeper Rupna Chakma’s scratch are among other concerns that made the 57-year old coach’s debut as Bangladesh coach more challenging.
He informed what he expects from his troop: “Lot of talents and good young players came from Under-16, U-19, so it’s sort of a mixed squad and group. Girls have been really good. I want them to be competitive.”
Taipei's humidity alarm
Chan Hiu Ming, the head coach of Chinese Taipei who hails from Hong Kong, came to Bangladesh for the first time.
He claimed to have received an invitation to coach a Bangladesh club 10 years ago which never materialized but the memory turned his current maiden trip a bit more interesting.
The weather condition however, made the Taipei coach worried after they arrived in Dhaka Tuesday.
"We are ahead in FIFA rankings but we have to be humble because of away condition. We are not (familiar) playing in very humid environment," Chan told the reporters.
"The players are very disciplined, I hope they will perform their very best. We want to win," he said, adding that around eight-10 new young players have been included to the senior squad since the Asian Games last year.
"Ranking doesn't determine winner so I respect Bangladesh team. Chinese Taipei developed women’s football long ago but lot of other Asian countries also developed very fast. We are better focused on our team."
Like Bangladesh, the friendly is going to be the first international match of the year for the visitors.
"We are looking forward and excited for the game as it is our first match this year," said Chan.
There are hints from the words of the two coaches that the game may be an aggressive encounter.