Bangladesh U-18 football team players were on cloud nine after thumping their Bhutan counterparts 4-0 in the first semi-final of the Saff U-18 Championship at Armed Police Force Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal Friday.
In the process, the junior booters progressed to the grand finale of the age-level regional competition’s third edition where they will bid to lift the title for the first time.
Captain Yeasin Arafat, who has already made a name for himself at top-flight outfit Saif Sporting Club, was a happy man after the end of the game, saying, “Everyone played well. Everyone performed their duties and executed the coach’s (Andrew Turner) plans. We want to hold onto the performance. Our target is to play well in the final.”
Defender Mohammad Tanbir Hossain, who opened the scoring for Bangladesh, said he wants to repeat his goal-scoring exploits in the final, scheduled to be held at the same venue Sunday.
“I’m really elated after scoring. I also want to find the back of the net in the final, and my team to be victorious.”
Midfielder Mohammad Ridoy urged the fans back in Bangladesh to pray for them so that they may bring the trophy home.
He said, “We are grateful to the Almighty at being able to reach the final. We want to win the trophy. Please pray for us so that we can return home with the trophy.”
Head coach Turner praised his charges for their finishing in front of goal and appreciated their organized play.
He said they could have scored more if tiredness had not crept in in the second half.
Bangladesh manager Amer Khan expressed delight at being able to implement their plans.
He said, “The team played according to plans. We knew about Bhutan beforehand. We capitalized the chances that we got against them.”
