Bangladesh wary of Laos in grand finale

Bangladesh will have their hands full when they take on free-scoring Laos in the final of the Bangamata U-19 Women’s Gold Cup final at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Friday.

The match begins at 6pm and BTV, BTV World, RTV and Nagorik TV will telecast the game live.

In three matches – two group stage games and the semi-final – Laos have struck a whopping 18 goals, with their goal-machine Pi leading the way with eight strikes.

Bangladesh head coach Golam Rabbani Choton therefore, was under no illusions with the difficult task facing them.

“Pi is one of Laos’ most skillful players. We have noticed her from the very beginning of the tournament. We are perfectly aware of her. But our coaching staff is working away, and planning how to stop her,” Choton told the media Thursday.

Choton however, said the opposition will also be mindful about the threat posed by the likes of Sanjida Akhter, Tahura Khatun and Marzia.

“If we are fretting about Pi, then they should also worry about Sanjida, Tahura and Marzia. Our team are also playing well. We are continuously attacking the opponents’ terrain. Although, we are not finding the net often. But hopefully, we won’t commit the same mistakes in the final,” said Choton.

Bangladesh’s defence, comprising Akhi Khatun and Sheuli Azim among others, haven’t faced that tough a test so far in the competition and in Laos, the women in red and green will be up against their first major obstacle.

Regarding this, Choton said, “See, we have played many international tournaments. In just about every tournament, there was a particular player in each team who had the capability to decide the game on their own. And, we have tasted success against all of them. We know how to stop the opposition. We are preparing the girls in that way. So there is nothing to fear. If we can play our game, and fulfill our responsibilities, then the trophy will be ours.”