Bangladesh bag runners-up trophy in SAFF U-18
Despite finishing the tourney on the same nine points along with champions Nepal, Bangladesh had to remain satisfied as runners-up in the 'SAFF U-18 Championship at Thimpu, Bhutan on Wednesday.
Nepal won the title with a 2-0 win over India, in the last match of the meet. If India could have managed a win or draw against Nepal, then Bangladesh would have been crowned the champions as per the regulations of the tournament, that state that head to head results will be prioritized for deciders if two teams have equal points.
This result pushed India into third-place in the standings, allowing Nepal to clinch the SAFF U-18 title courtesy of a head to head advantage over second-placed Bangladesh.
Winger Jafar Iqbal, a consistent player in the whole tournament, played his part with commendable performance for the red and greens, scoring two late goals in the last minutes of the match against Bhutan in day's first match.
Bangladesh coach Mahbub Hossian Roxy thanked the team for such a performance and reminded everyone about their full efforts behind the success in the post-match press conference after beating Bhutan.
"I thank the BFF President Kazi Salahuddin for giving me the chance to coach the team. Technical Director Paul Smalley and BFF Head Coach Andrew Ord deserves the recognition for their support."
"The boys had put up a brilliant performance, starting from the first match against India to the last one against Bhutan, we couldn't win against Nepal, but that happens. All the other matches were amazing and we have all worked hard as we followed every step of constructive football" added Roxy.
"When asked why Jafar Iqbal was not in the starting 11 against Bhutan, coach Roxy said it was their team strategy."We knew Bhutan plays very defensive. Jafar would have been cornered from the beginning, but we put him on the pitch in full strength in the middle of the match. That made the difference.
"Roxy also thanked the numerous supporters both home and abroad for their blessings.
Source: BSS
