Bangladesh hoped that they would be able to adapt to the high altitude of Bhutan before they face defending champions India in the opener of the SAFF Under-17 Championship 2024 at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu on Friday.
Following a four-week long training camp, Bangladesh coach Saiful Bari Titu announced a 23-member squad on Tuesday, a day prior to their departure for Bhutan.
Bangladesh, who are placed in three-team Group A, will face the Maldives on Sunday. The four-team Group B is comprised by hosts Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the September 28 semi-finals, while the final is scheduled to be held on September 30.
鈥業t is very important for us to cope with the high altitude of Bhutan. Playing against India will be a very difficult task since they [India] have had good preparation by training in Ladakh and Indonesia,鈥� Titu stated during a press briefing.
鈥楤ut we always want to be champions in SAFF competitions. I believe that the recent success of the Under-20 team [in Nepal], women鈥檚 team success, and other age-group competition achievements can serve as a source of motivation for us.鈥�
The majority of the Under-17 squad is made up of the players who lost 2-0 to India in the SAFF Under-16 final in 2023.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Nahidul Islam, Alif Rahman Imtiage, Ismail Hossain Rakib; Defenders: Ashikur Rahman, Ikramul Islam, Abdul Riyad Fahim, Kolilur Rahman Anuar, Siam Omit, Sheikh Sangram, Sani Das; Midfielders: Mithu Chowdhury, Kamal Merdha, Nazmul Huda Faysal, Akash Ahmed, Shofiq Rahman, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Ripon, Joy Ahamed, Mursed Ali; Forwards: Md Manik, Rifat Kazi, Opu Rahman, Swe Mong Sing Marma.