Playing against higher ranked teams of the Asian circuit in the qualifiers of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup has boosted the confidence level of the Bangladeshi women and they hope that the football federation will continue with efforts towards their development.
Ace forward Sabina Khatun’s view proves it all. “We have played our best till date. Yes, we have conceded defeats in all of the three matches, but you know the standards of Thailand, Iran and Philippines, all of them were far ahead of us. Whether we have improved or not can be tested against the opponents of our same standard and I am sure we will put a better show than the past.”
BFF’s Women Wing tried hard to raise the endurance level of the team and followed a diet plan in the 48-day camp. The plan was to raise the strength level so that the players can continue in the same rhythm for whole 90 minutes. According to the coach Syed Golam Jilani’s verdict, the plan worked. “The players failed to match the skill level, but I would say they maintained the tempo in the 90 minutes. They also succeeded to implement certain strategies, especially in the defence. They realised their mistakes after conceding nine goals in the first match and in the last two matches the level of errors were relatively low,” said Jilani.
He also said he had taught the footballers how to maintain their fitness. “They were not very much aware of maintaining the fitness. I have asked them to continue the exercises and spend some money regarding the post practice snacks. I think that’s very important to regain the consumed energy.”
“The percentage of ball possession was also very good in comparison to the past tournaments. They held the ball in the midfield and dared to go up in the opposition defence. The growing confidence was evident in the latter matches as they fought hard against Iran and Philippines,” said Jilani.
Mahfuza Akter Kiron, the deputy chairman of BFF’s Women Wing, hopes to continue the trend as she said they have already started the women’s league while “many organisations are also coming ahead to form their teams.”
“Bangladesh Ansar and BJMC have already recruited a number of female footballers and Bangladesh Police also has their plans to form a team and they may recruit 15 footballers in the near future. The performance of the players in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers has boosted their chances and I hope more opportunities will open up for women footballers in the near future,” said Kiron.
Kiron disclosed that a total of Tk192,000 was collected during the six games over the three match days. “We collected Tk75,000 in the first day, but later could not stop the illicit entrances as many spectators entered the venue through the VIP and the DMFA entrances. Otherwise the collection would have been better. It was also a great experience in organising wise as women’s football meet of such stature was not hosted by Bangladesh previously,” added Kiron.
