Bangladesh girls up against Iran test

Bangladesh Under-16 women’s team are expected to encounter their toughest test in the inaugural day of the Asian Football Confederation U-16 Women’s Championship 2017 Qualifiers when they take on favourites Iran on Saturday at Bangabandhu National Stadium. The match begins at 6pm. The last time Iran U-16 side came to Dhaka was two years ago in October, 2014, and they returned home as champions, winning all their matches including the 2-1 victory over the home side. Over the last couple of years, there has been a lot of changes in Bangladesh women’s football. The women in red and green are now considered one of the favourites following their title wins in the last two editions of the AFC U-14 Girls’ Regional (South and Central) Championship. Twelve players from the latest title-winning squad have been retained in the current squad. Iran head coach Shadi Mahini informed on Friday that their current U-16 squad also has a majority of players from the U-14 team that played in Tajikistan, and the U-16 team from two years ago in Bangladesh. Bangladesh head coach Golam Rabbani Choton will rely on his long-time disciples like Sanjida Akhter, Krishna Rani Sarkar, Marzia Khatun, Monika Chakma and Tohura Khatun, who scored 10 goals in four matches in Tajikistan. “Iran are a very strong team. They are one of the best teams in the tournament. But we are also ready. It will be a tough match and we will definitely play for victory,” said Choton. “If we can win the game [today] it will boost our team spirit and help us to take a big leap in our bid for qualification,” he added. Bangladesh captain Krishna on the eve of the game said, “We will play our natural game. Iran are a very good team but if we follow our own style and stay calm on the pitch, then we have a chance. We will give our best.” On the other hand, Iran coach Mahini said, “I’m very happy to be here in Bangladesh for the second time. Last year, when we played against Bangladesh team, they were very good and energetic. The Bangladesh girls are doing really good. “All the participating teams came here to win, including Iran. We like to win and we want to become champions.” Meanwhile in the day’s other matches at the same venue, Chinese Taipei will face Kyrgyzstan at 11am while United Arab Emirates take on Singapore in the second game at 3pm.