Afeida, Butler target AFC U20 Women’s Championship main stage

Bangladesh have been drawn in Group ‘H’ along with South Korea, Laos, and Timor-Leste

Bangladesh eye a spot in the AFC U20 Women’s Championship, with captain Afeida Khandakar and coach Peter James Butler expressing confidence ahead of the team’s departure for Laos for the qualifiers.

Coach Butler’s side have been drawn in Group H along with South Korea, Laos, and Timor-Leste.

Bangladesh will kick off their campaign next Wednesday with a match against hosts Laos in the group stage of the qualifiers.

"We are heading there to play well and secure qualification,” said Afeida on Thursday.

“We have been in continuous action. In the SAFF (U20 Championship), everyone got game time. Those of us who played in the Asian Cup qualifiers have had some rest, so we're not overly fatigued."

The champions of the eight groups and the top three runners-up will compete in the main stage in Thailand next year.

With South Korea in their group, Bangladesh coach Butler is treading cautiously.

“South Korea are the best team in the region, there’s no doubt they’re far ahead and a very strong side,” said the coach.

“But our first match is against Laos, and that’s the most important one. We want to win that and take the early advantage.”

All 23 players from the recent SAFF U20 Championship, including nine senior team members, will travel to Laos.