Sports Reporter:
Bangladesh will start their 15th edition of SAFF Championship campaign when they face Bhutan in their opening group match scheduled to be held at the National Stadium here today, hoping to make a auspicious start to their quest for a second regional crown after a prolong gap of twenty three years.
Private satellite channel T-Sports will provide live stream of the match that kicks off at 8 pm, following the day’s first match between two arch-rivals India and Pakistan at 3.30 pm at the same venue.
The tournament returns to Bangladesh after eight years, bringing fresh hope among football fans who are eager to see Bangladesh reclaim the title they last won in 2003.
Head coach Thomas Dooley and his charges will, however, face an immediate test of their strength, composure and attacking ability against a Bhutan side determined to make an impression in the regional competition.
Bangladesh, who finished runners-up in 2005, have since struggled to reproduce their earlier success. Playing in front
of home supporters offers them a valuable opportunity, but the pressure of expectations could also prove challenging.
Dooley has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete for the title, insisting that Bangladesh can no longer consider themselves underdogs. Captain Topu Barman has also echoed the coach’s ambition, saying the players are determined to make the most of the opportunity to win the championship on home soil.
However, the host side will miss the service of their star midfielder Hamza Choudhury who is unavailable for the opening match for his club commitment.
The absence of this player will put additional responsibility on the remaining squad members, particularly the midfielders and attacking players, to deliver in the opening match against Bhutan.
Bangladesh another concern for SAFF is the team’s limited preparation. Bangladesh could not arrange a full-scale practice match during their short training camp, leaving the coaching staff with limited opportunities to assess the team’s combinations in competitive conditions.
Bhutan, meanwhile, must be eager to frustrate Bangladesh and start their campaign on a positive note. Head coach Gary Phillips and captain Chencho Gyeltshen have expressed confidence in their preparations, although the team’s training programme was affected by the domestic league schedule, which prevented them from assembling their players early.
The Bhutanese side have also gained valuable experience through recent international engagements, including a friendly against Bangladesh’s regional rivals and matches against Seychelles and
in September. Their organised approach and determination could make them a tough opponent.
For Bangladesh, controlling the midfield, maintaining defensive discipline and converting scoring opportunities will be crucial. The hosts must also avoid allowing the occasion and expectations of playing at home to affect their composure.
Bangladesh are placed in Group A alongside Bhutan and Sri Lanka, while defending champions India, Maldives and Pakistan are in Group B.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the last four stage, scheduled for November 14, with the final is set for November 17.
With only two group matches to secure a place in the last four, a positive start is particularly important for the hosts.
