Also read: Bangladesh girls begin with 9-0 loss
Bangladesh are taking part in Asia’s biggest U-16 event for the first time through qualification and they conceded a 9-0 defeat against North Korea in their first match while Japan outplayed Australia 5-0 on the same match day. Following their historic qualification campaign in Dhaka in September last year, the U-16 team toured several countries as part of their preparation, including twice in Japan. Head coach Golam Rabbani Choton said the experience would help the girls against the most decorated team around.
Also read: Bangladesh girls arrive in Thailand
“The girls are physically well and sound and there is no injury problem in the team. They got emotional after what happened against world champion North Korea. (Thursday) everybody in the team will try to give their best effort and if they can play their natural game, we hope for a good result,” said Choton on Wednesday. Captain Srimoti Krishna Rani Sarker said, “Last match we did a lot of mistakes. But in the Japan match, we will give our best performance and effort to have a better result.” Choton hinted he might make two changes in the starting XI as regular goalkeeper Mahmuda Akter may return to the team replacing Ruksana while midfielder Monika Chakma will replace Akhi Khatun.
