Bangladesh aim to add to Uzbekistan’s woes

Bangladesh will launch their AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign on Thursday, gunning to heap fresh misery on shell-shocked hosts Uzbekistan in a high-stakes Group H battle.

The tie kicks off at 5:00pm Local time, with the touring side eager to pounce on an Uzbek outfit licking their wounds. The hosts were left reeling on Monday after the Philippines produced a rousing second-half blitz to cruise to a commanding 4-0 victory in the tournament curtain-raiser. Bangladesh wrapped up their own preparations on Wednesday at the Uzbekistan Football Academy Training Centre, polishing ball-retention work and dead-ball routines.

Head coach AKM Saiful Bari Titu called on his squad to play with confidence while respecting the opposition. "Getting five training sessions at the venue has been a huge boost for our build-up," Titu said. "The opening game is always vital. Uzbekistan showed good mentality and played very well in the first half against the Philippines, so we need a more energetic and enthusiastic approach."

Titu stressed that tactical maturity under pressure would decide the outcome. "Our plan is to stay calm. Sticking to our system, both in and out of possession, will be the decisive factor, and set-pieces will play a big part in this match. We are well prepared, and the girls are fully ready," he added.

Boasting a clean bill of health, the coach also backed his players to use the local climate to their physical advantage. "Thankfully, we have no injuries. The weather is actually ideal for the kickoff time. It will help our stamina and endurance levels so the girls can fight hard for over 90 minutes, and we are ready to give everything," Titu concluded.