Bangladesh, placed in Group A, will play their first match against Bhutan on Thursday (March 14) and face hosts Nepal on Saturday (March 16) in group affairs.
Group B team consists of India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. India will take on Maldives on Wednesday (March 13) and Sri Lanka on Sunday (Match 17). Maldives and Sri Lanka will meet each other in the other Group A match on Friday (March 15).
On March 20, Group A champions will play Group B runners-up at 11am, while Group B champions will encounter Group A runners–up at 3pm in the semifinals at the same venue.
The final match will take place at 3pm on March 22.
Addressing a press conference ahead of the meet in Biratnagar, Head Coach of Bangladesh Golam Robbani Choton said “we are focusing on win in our first game against Bhutan to achieve our target of reaching the semi-final”
“We are excited to represent Bangladesh here. We have been preparing to face Bhutan in our first game after returning from Myanmar” He added.
“Nepal and India have an advantage with matured and experienced side at this level. They are strong and tough sides at this level, we are still developing and growing as a team as most of our players is of U-19 age group, but we will relish the challenge” he further said.
Bangladesh Vice Captain Moushumi Akhter said, “We are all excited to be here and playing in the SAFF Championship, we are preparing eying on our first game in mind.”
“Everyone of our team is in sound health and looking forward to the competition, we try our best to do our country proud” she added.
The Head Coach of Bhutam Team said, “we came here with good preparation and as well as to gather experience from this senior Championship SAFF. In our group Nepal and Bangladesh are very strong and experienced teams sound in physically and tactically ".
Head Coach Hari Khadka said, “Our team is now a balanced side, Our team is mentally and physical ready for the Championship and we are the favorite in this tournament as a host nation, But we do respect India and Bangladesh, as they are also very good team."
Head Coach of Indian Team Mrs Maymul Rocky said, “We came here for the Championship for the 5th times and we have now some good new young player in our team that picked up from aged level tournament”
The Head Coach of Maldives team said, “All teams are well-prepared , It will be a very competitive tournament, Our target is to reach the semi-final like the last SAFF Championship ".
Head Coach of Sri Lankan team said, “Our target is beat Maldives in our group matches and to qualify for the semi-final, India and Maldives are experienced and strong team."