Bangladesh's fightback against Pakistan in the semi-finals has made coach Saiful Bari Titu optimistic as his side prepare to face India in the SAFF Under-17 Championship 2024 final at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu Monday.
“I’m proud of the boys for how they performed in the semis. It gives us a lot of confidence. It will be a difficult task, but we want to win the trophy,” said the Bangladesh coach at the pre-final press conference Sunday.
Praising India’s technical and tactical strengths, especially their "better" individual performers, Titu acknowledged Bangladesh's abilities as well.
He urged his boys to deliver a collective effort to achieve their goal — winning the Championship title, which they came close to during the last edition.
Bangladesh finished as runners-up in the previous campaign at the same venue last year, losing to India in the final.
This time, they are aiming not to repeat that result.
Captain Nurul Huda Faysal expressed hope, stating that the way they advanced to the knockout stage and defeated Pakistan in the semi-finals has boosted their confidence in winning the title.
The two finalists previously met in the opening group fixture, where India won through a solitary stoppage-time goal.
However, the Bangladesh coach expects the final to be a different encounter, while the captain emphasized their intention to correct past mistakes and give their best effort.
