After the spirited performance against the Maldives, the Bhutanese U18 side will look to topple the defending champion today.
The defending champion, Nepal, get their SAFF U18 Championship campaign underway today when they take on host nation Bhutan. The Bhutanese side will not be short of confidence after the 1-0 victory in their opening match.
At the pre-tournament press conference, the Nepal U18 coach, Chirring Lopsang, was asked which team is the tournament favourite. “We are the favourites. I don’t think about other countries,” was his response.
Will his players hold true to his words? This will be known when they the step onto the field later today. He also shared concerns about the colder conditions in Thimphu, which he thinks might impact his players’ performance.
On the other hand, the Bhutanese coach, Sung Jun Lee, has been stressing that he has plans for the tournament. His plans were well executed by the players against the Maldives but whether or not his plans will succeed against tougher opponents is yet to be seen.
Bhutan will once again rely on Orgyen Wangchuk Tshering’s wealth of senior team experience to overcome the Nepalese challenge. Protégé players like Nima Tshering and team captain Chimi Tshewang will also look to prove a point or two against Nepal.
Opening day victories for Bangladesh and Bhutan have thrown the championship wide open. With championship contenders India already under pressure, Bangladesh will now look to consolidate their pole position when they take on the depleted Maldives side today.
The match at the Changlimithang will start at 4pm with Bhutan taking on Nepal. It will followed by the Maldives vs Bangladesh at 7pm.
