SPORTS REPORTER

Smarting from a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to hosts Thailand, Bangladesh will be hoping to put up an improved performance when they square off against Group A favourites China in their second match at the AFC Women’s Under-20 Asian Cup at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand today.

The girls in red and green had gotten off to a fantastic start against Thailand on Wednesday, taking a two-goal lead thanks to a brace from forward Mosammat Sagorika.

But the charges of Peter Butler surrendered the lead in the second half, conceding three goals in 10 minutes, as the match slipped out of their grasp.

Bangladesh first gifted two penalties to Thailand through defensive blunders and then Pichayatida Manowang scored the decisive third goal in the 79th minute.

China, who have won the tournament once before in 2006, are shaping up to be a tougher opponent. Still, Bangladesh are determined to rectify their mistakes and put up a better show.

Coach Butler emphasised on defending set-pieces as well as obtaining set-pieces in the 75-minute training session yesterday ahead of the match against China.

“The coach worked on the mistakes we made against Thailand by showing us the players’ positions and how to shape up. We also worked on finishing,” said captain Arpita Biswas in a video message sent by Bangladesh Football Federation.

“We are going to play our second match against a strong China and we believe we can offer a good fight to China. We are also ready for that fight,” said the defender.

China currently sit on the top of the four-team Group A with three points after beating Vietnam 3-0. Bangladesh, meanwhile, are third with no points to show for.