Nepal aim to make winning start at SAFF U20

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 3: Nepal aims to make a winning start at SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship 2023 which starts on Friday in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 

Addressing the pre-match conference held in Dhaka on Thursday, Nepali team’s Coach Yam Gurung said his team focused on making an impressive start beating host Bangladesh in the opener. Nepal will meet Bangladesh on the opening day at 7:15 PM NST.

“We have prepared well for the regional championship. We want to make a good start with a win over Bangladesh. I am confident my players will give their best. They are all ready to play.” 

“The tournament will be tough as all four nations contesting in the championship are to par standard. Host Bangladesh has a home advantage.  The result, however, will be determined on the pitch.” 

Along with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and India are vying for the title of the championship to be played under the round-robin league. The top two teams in the league will enter the final. 

Skipper Preeti Rai said Nepal had prepared well for the championship.  

“We have prepared well for the championship but Bangladesh has an advantage as a host. Neighbour India is also a title favourite after playing U-17 World Cup. Team Bhutan is improving its performance. We look forward to doing our best in the tourney, Rai said. 

Nepal will take on Bhutan on Sunday at 3:15 PM NST and encounters India in the last match of the league on Tuesday at 3:15 PM NST.