Bangladesh has been included in the "group of death" along with defending champions India, hosts Nepal and Pakistan in Group A of the Saff Championship, scheduled to kick off at the Dastrath Stadium, Kathmandu Nepal on September 1.
The official draw for the Saff Championship was held at Soaltee Crown Plaza Hotel yesterday. Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bhutan lie in group B. The tournament will feature all the eight SAARC countries and it will be the tenth edition of the Saff Championship. India will open its account against Pakistan in the tournament opener at 3.45 pm and Nepal will take on Bangladesh later in the day at 6:45 pm. Both semi-finals will be played on September 8, while the final will be held on September 11. The winners of the tournament will receive US$ 50,000, while the runners up will bag US$ 25,000. The third and fourth placed team will each get US$10,000. The official TV broadcasters of the event are expected to be ESPN STAR SPORTS.
Among the eight SAFF Championship participants, Afghanistan is currently the highest ranked team with a FIFA ranking of 140. India is 146, Bangladesh 152, Maldives 159, Pakistan 167, Nepal 169, Sri Lanka 171 and Bhutan 207.
Bangladesh head coach Lodewijk de Kruif assessed the task facing his side. "This is the group of death. In our group, we are facing two favourites for this tournament - India and Nepal. They are main contenders for the title. In my opinion, Afghanistan got lucky in the groupings. Anyway, we will play our game."
"Anyway, we have to face them in the group. Our players are practicing hard for the Saff and hopefully we will start with a win."
Former national coach Saiful Bari Titu spoke of the need to remain focused. "Bangladesh wants to win the title and there is no room of complacency. The group is a tough one, but it will pull out the best among the players, Bangladesh should go match by match and be in the final. The players should get ready for the tough challenges," said Titu.
Season's treble winning coach Maruful Haque had similar feelings. "Bangladesh is preparing hard for the Saff Championship and is focused on winning the title. With the preparation (they've had) and support the footballers should put forward their best. Bangladesh should focus upon their own resources and go step by step as the challenged will be hard. You have to beat the best to prove that you are the best," said Maruf.