Kathmandu, Aug. 28: Coaches and captains of Nepal and Bangladesh praised the other as ‘tough to beat’; however, they also shared their desire to lift the SAFF U-20 Championship by defeating the opponent in the final on Wednesday. The statements were made at Tuesday’s pre-match conference at ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Lalitpur.

While Nepal, as the host, is the favourite, Bangladesh have proved themselves as the major contender for the Cup after defeating defending champions India in the semi-final. 

Bangladesh is also the least prepared team in the tournament, but their performance has something else to say. 

Moreover, being denied the Cup in the final of 2022 after losing to India, Bangladesh looks to lift their first under-age SAFF tournament in 2024. Bangladesh entered the finals of SAFF U-18 in 2017 and 2019 but was defeated by Nepal and India respectively.  

“We wanted to win the tournament since Day 1 and we knew there were going to be ups and downs. We defeated India in the semi-final and have taken all the positives. Every day is a new challenge, now we are looking forward to the final,” said A.K.M Maruful Haque, head coach for Bangladesh.

Coach Haque believes that the Cup would be a little encouragement for a new transformation in Bangladesh and prove that the country was not going backwards in any sector, including sports.

However, a serious injury to the first-choice goalkeeper and captain Md. Mehdi Hasan Srabon in the semi-final has raised questions regarding to the team’s defence. “Md. Ashraful Haque Asif is the new captain. Goalkeeper Srabon has been suggested immediate operation for the injury. In lack of air transport services, we are sending him by road to Bangladesh,” the coach said.

Md. Asif, who replaced Srabon in the semi-final and saved the final penalty to take the team to the final, is also an experienced player. He was the main goalie for the U-19 team in the SAFF U-19 Championship last year.

“I believe in all players. Our second goalkeeper is also an experienced one. We know it will be difficult to defeat Nepal, but not impossible,” said captain Asif.

Nepal had defeated Bangladesh by 2-1 in the group stage and the win has added extra motivation to the host. Nepal looks forward to raising the roofs of the ANFA Complex on Wednesday by winning the final in front of, what is expected to be, a packed crowd.  

“We have trained in this ground for a good amount of time. We analysed Bangladesh when we faced in the group and their match in the semi. Bangladesh has also studied us properly. The final will be competitive but we are looking for the win,” said Nepal’s coach Urjan Shrestha.

“The team is yet to play as the coach and match demand. They are improving but the players need to do better,” Shrestha criticised.

Meanwhile, Nepal’s captain Kushal Deuba expressed his belief in the team players and said, “We are doing our work in all areas and preparing for the final.”

If Nepal wins the tournament, the host will be the second country after India to lift the SAFF U18/U19/U20 Championships at least once.