The Bangladesh U17 team will face Bahrain in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers at the Yongchuan Sports Center Stadium in Chongqing, China on Friday, aiming to extend their winning run.
Golam Rabbani Choton’s charges have won their last three matches with dominant performances, scoring a total of 18 goals. However, Bahrain are expected to pose a much tougher challenge.
Both teams defeated Timor-Leste and Sri Lanka, but by different margins. Bangladesh beat both sides 5-0, while Bahrain won 3-0 against Timor-Leste and 2-1 against Sri Lanka. Bangladesh also recorded an emphatic 8-0 victory over Brunei Darussalam — a team Bahrain have not yet faced.
Bahrain lost their only match against hosts and favourites China by 4-0, placing them third in Group A. Bangladesh are yet to play China, who top the group on goal difference.
Bangladesh currently sit second in the six-team group, with China having scored an extraordinary 30 goals in their three matches to stay ahead.
After keeping three consecutive clean sheets, Bangladesh goalkeeper Alif Rahman Imtiaz expects a stern challenge in the next match. He said, “Bahrain are a strong opponent. It will be very challenging for me and for everyone. Hopefully, we will overcome the challenge and win the match.”
Choton will again rely on forward Md Manik, who has played a key role by scoring in all three games. “I scored four goals and made three assists. I seek dua so that we can continue our performance, help each other score, and win tomorrow’s (Friday) match,” said the No. 9.
The match is crucial for Bangladesh in their quest to remain in contention for final qualification, as only the group winners will advance to the main tournament in Saudi Arabia next year.
Bangladesh will conclude their group stage campaign against China on Sunday.
