In a pre-tournament press conference on Thursday in Kathmandu, Bangladesh Head Coach Andrew Peter Turner said, “We are prepared, we have 5 to 6 weeks preparation for the meet, our booters are physically and tactically fit. Now, they are ready to play, we are looking forward for the matches.”
Asking about the local weather, Bangladesh coach said, “local weather is different, but our players are enjoying it, we have practiced here for two days, our players are enjoying the humidity here.”
SAFF runners-up Bangladesh team put in the three-team Group B along with India and Sri Lanka while Group A comprises of defending champions and hosts Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan and Pakistan.
In the remaining group match, Bangladesh team will play their giant neighbor India on September 25.
Top two teams from each group will play in the semifinals on September 27 while the final match scheduled for September 29 at APF Stadium.
Earlier, a 30-member Bangladesh Under-18 Men's Football team, comprises of 23 booters and seven officials, reached the Nepalese capital Kathmandu on Wednesday morning to participate in the meet that will begin on Friday.
Bangladesh is going to participate for the third time in the SAFF U-18 Championships, which was previously known as SAFF U-19 Championship.
Bangladesh Squad: Md Mohiuddin, Mitul Marma, Shanto Kumer Ray, Yeasin Arafat, Uttam Chandra Roy, Sadekujaman Fahim, Md Emon Khan, Kazi Rahad Mia, Rakibul Islam, Tnabir Hossain, Md Ridoy, Fahim Morshed, Omar Faruq Mithu, Md Emon Ali, Md Sagor Hossain, Dipok Roy, Md Jamir Uddin, Foysal Ahmed Fahim, Samrat Ahmed, Naiyem Hossain, Nihat Jaman Ucchash, Maraz Hossain, Amir Khan Bappi.