Bangladesh will take on Laos in the final of the Bangamata Under-19 International Gold Cup football tournament today. The match will kick off at 6pm at the Bangabandhu National Stadium. President Abdul Hamid will distribute the trophy of the final as the chief guest.

In a pre-match press conference Laos captain Aphatsala expressed her confidence to win the final while coaches of both sides - Bangladesh and Laos believe that it would be a fighting encounter. Laos coach Vongmisay Sobouakham thinks that the chance is 50-50 for all to win the final, Bangladesh coach Golam Rabbani Choton said that they reached their initial goal and now the time is to make the dream comes true.

Choton, who expressed his dreams to make it memorable with winning the inaugural tournament after the name of the Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib, ahead of the today’s final, during talking about aspiration yesterday said, “If we can win the final then it would be memorable for us and we want that.”

Laos, who scored 18 goals in three matches with beginning the campaign trouncing Mongolia by 5-0, Tajikistan by 6-0 to move into the semifinal. And in the semifinal they drubbed Kyrgyzstan by 7-1. Choton said, “They are very strong side, it will be very tough encounter but I think we are the favourites.”

About the key player of Laos Pe, also the best performer so far in the tournament, who scored eight goals including four in the semifinal and their captain Aphatsala, who in fact the play maker of the team, Choton said, “Yes, we have special plans with the two vital performers, how we can deal with them.”

Choton, who is very much aware of  the overall performance of Laos and obviously particular about two players, said, “Bangladesh defenders will face real test tomorrow (Friday), in the previous matches they did not face much challenge, hopefully our girls would be able to manage it successfully.”  

“Laos use to play with attacking approach and we are not also indifferent, our strategy is also as they are and our players’ plus point is they can play the full match with same rhythm,” said Choton.

Meanwhile, Sirat Jahan Swapna and Krishna Rani, who had in injury during the group match against Kyrgyzstan and could not play in the semifinal, are uncertain to play in the final, Choton said, Swapna will miss the final and Krishna has a slim hope to play but whatever, hopes we will have no trouble in absence of them.”

Bangladesh captain Mousumi was very much excited being the captain of the team said, “It is great, I will play the final as captain, it is first time our Under-19 team is playing a final of any tournament. It is final, we will have to win, we have experiences playing strong teams.”

Laos coach Vongmisay said that for them it is not any problem to face home side, they have previous experiences.

“Bangladesh are strong opponents, they will play at their home ground backing by home crowd, does not matter, we have plans and will play according to our policy to be the champions. It would be a very fighting encounter and the chance is 50-50 for both sides.”

Captain of the Laos Aphatsala said, “We are 100 percent confident to win the final, Bangladesh defense is very good and the fight will between our forwards and Bangladesh defenders.”