Bangladesh women’s football team will play the toughest match till date during their debut appearance at the Asian Games when they face former world champions Japan in the opening group fixture in Hangzhou, China Friday.
Japan, currently ranked eighth in the world, are two-time champions in the women’s football event of the Asiad where Bangladesh, placed 142nd, will be participating for the first time.
Admitting the huge difference between the two sides, Bangladesh’s head coach and former national footballer Saiful Bari Titu wants to be competitive and give their best on the pitch regardless of the result.
“It’s a very difficult match for all of us but we should make it as much competitive as we can. We are asking the girls not to worry about the outcome of the match. Whatever the result, we have to be competitive,” Titu said in a video message from Hangzhou.
Titu added: “Japan sent their full team from the World Cup. We watched their matches and prepared our players accordingly. It will be a big learning lesson for the girls because the difference is huge and Japan are ahead of us physically, technically and tactically. We will try our best.”
In another video message, captain Sabina Khatun sought prayers from the Bangladeshi people back home so that they can play well against strong Japan in their first ever match in the Asian Games.
The match kicks off at Wenzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium at 5:30pm Bangladesh time.
