Sports Desk:

Head coach AKM Maruful Haque and his U-20 national football team will leave Dhaka for Nepal tomorrow (Friday) with an aim to earn their maiden title in the upcoming SAFF U-20 Championship 2024.

The seven-team regional meet for the men’s age-level sides will take place on 18-28 August at the Dasharath Rangasala in Kathmandu.

“Our initial aim was to reach the final (SAFF U-20), but our expectations became big when we got to see their (team’s) dedication. Now, we are aiming to return with the title,” Maruful told the reporters at a press conference on Wednesday at the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) house.

“The U-20 team have no title, but that doesn’t mean we can’t win any title. We take preparations eyeing the title and we deserve it,” the U-20 coach further added.

Team manager Khandakar Rakibul Islam and two footballers Mirazul Islam and Shakil Ahad Tapu were also present in the presser.  Bangladesh had been placed in Group A with hosts Nepal and Sri Lanka while Group B comprises champions India, Bhutan and Maldives.

Runners-up Pakistan, who were put in Group A, withdrew their participation after the draw.

Bangladesh will play against Sri Lanka and Nepal on 20 and 22 August. The top two teams from each group will play semifinals on 25 and 26 August while the final will be held on 28 August.

Bangladesh never won the men’s regional age-level title, but they became runners-up three times in 2017, 2019 and 2022.