DHAKA, Oct 25, 2024 (BSS) - Forward Tohura Khatun said they are simply focusing on their semi-final match against Bhutan and is upbeat to give maximum effort to win the match.

Bangladesh will take on Bhutan in the first semi-final of the SAFF Women’s Championship scheduled to be held on Sunday (Oct 27) at Dasharath Rangasala, Kathmandu.  

“Bhutan already improved a lot …..they drew with host Nepal and thrashed Maldives by 13-0 goals in their group engagements …  so we are focusing on Bhutan match and upbeat to give our maximum effort to win the match,” said Tohura during the team’s practice session at ANFA Complex in Kathmandu, Nepal, according to a video message received here today (Friday).

The forward said they are not taking Bhutan lightly and hopes that if they play their natural game as usual, then they would be able to bring out a result from Bhutan match.

When asked to comment about her personal target in the semi-finals, Tohura said: “I personally try to give my best and if I get chance in the final squad, my target will be to score goal in the match.”

Bangladesh team's manager Mahmuda Akter said each participating team of the tournament is improving, especially Bhutan, who improved technically and tactically compared to their last SAFF Tournament.

Replying to a question, Mahmuda said they were elated to win the match against Maldives.

The Bangladesh national women’s football team continued their training session ahead of the semi-final match. The team conducted one and half hour targeted training session in the morning focusing on tactical drills and team coordination.

Following the training, the players attended a meeting and video analysis session at the team hotel for reviewing footage and refining strategies to prepare for their semifinal clash.