Bangladesh face India in SAFF U-18 today

Title-aspirants Bangladesh is going to play their giant neighbor India in the final of the SAFF Under-18 Championship 2019 at APF Stadium in Kathmandu today (Sunday), keeping the birds eyes on their maiden title, reports UNB.

The match will kick off at 2:45 pm (BdST).

The 3rd place deciding match between two losing semifinalists - Bhutan and Maldives - will also be held at 10:45 am (BdST) at the same venue today (Sunday).

In a pre-match press conference on Saturday in Kathmandu, Bangladesh Head Coach Andrew Peter Turner said that "We have a plan for tomorrow's match against India. It is a great opportunity for Bangladesh. We are looking forward to it."

Bangladesh captain Yeasin Arafat said "We are hungry for the victory. Players are fully fit and ready. We want to give our best tomorrow."

Replying to a query about their opponents Bangladesh, Indian Head Coach Floyd Pinto said "The top two teams of the tournament reached the final. The match will be exciting."

Indian captain Prabhsukhan Singh Gill said, "Bangladesh is well organised team. They are playing good football in the tournament."

Bangladesh secured their a place in the final of SAFF Under-18 Championship 2019 crushing Bhutan by 4-0 goals in the first semifinal. India defeated Maldives also by 4-0 goals to book a seat for the final on Friday at APF Stadium in Kathmandu.

On the way to the final, last times runners-up Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by 3-0 goals in their first Group B match land played to a goalless draw against India in the 2nd and last group match.

On the other hand, India outplayed all-losers Sri Lanka by 3-0 goals in their 2nd group match after playing goalless draw with Bangladesh.

After the press conference, Bangladeshi booters made their last training session in the afternoon.

Earlier, Bangladesh played two times against India in the SAFF U-18 Championships and made mixed results with one win and one defeat.