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final match on May 31.

As India had a kickstart with a massive 11-0 win over Maldives, the women in red and green will certainly be looking forward to staying ahead of India with a better goal difference, keeping a thing in mind that a draw against India will also keep them on the top of the group.

English coach Peter Butler however, kept his feet on the ground by respecting all opponents in the tournament.

“Stay humble. Sometimes everyone’s like talking about this game, that game, the game on the May 31, permutations, what could happen. The most important game is the next game and we treat them in a respectful manner. We go out there and all I’m asking for the girls is to put in a performance,” said Butler after conducting more than a one-hour training.

“…But first and foremost, I just want the girls to go out there and give the best account of themselves and go out and just perform. And don’t get visions of grandeur thinking you’re going to score 10 goals, 11 goals, 12 goals. Football doesn’t work like that,” said Butler also mentioning football game is a marathon rather than a sprint.

Captain Maria Manda also echoed the same sentiment of Butler.

“It is our first match where we set our target to secure full three points first. Scoring goals depend on the match, so we will be trying to play our best against Maldives,” said new captain Maria expressing to deliver a Eid gift to the nation by producing something good against Maldives, a team Bangladesh defeated in four previous meetings so far.

In a reply, Maria said, “I just came to know from you that Bangladesh lost to India during the final of 1999 SAFF Championship here but we have come here with a big expectation. So I seek prayer from the countrymen for something good and we will be trying not to break the hearts of the country men this time.”