Dhaka, December 4: Bangladesh Under-12 football team will take on Spanish top flight club Sevilla in the opening match of Group D in the Super Mokh U-12 Cup in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. This tournament is the first of its kind in the history of football that will see a Bangladesh team taking part. Brimming with confidence, Bangladesh U-12 side left here for Malaysia yesterday.   

Bangladesh have been grouped with Andalusian side Sevilla, Chonburi of Thailand and Cougars of Malaysia. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Cup Competition, or quarterfinals. The bottom two sides of each group on the other hand will contest in the Plate Phase.

Bangladesh Football Federation vice president Badal Roy, also the chairman of the Development Committee, said yesterday the tour will open up a new horizon for the young footballers. “It is the first overseas tour of Bangladesh U-12 team. We have never sent any team of this age level to a foreign tournament before. Through the tournament, I hope the boys will earn valuable experience for the future.”

Monjurul Karim, director of Max Group - the sponsor - said they would continue their support for the boys. “We will be supporting the child development programme and we hope this team will shine in Malaysia.”

Midfielder Rahim Sikdar, the captain of the team, is a class six student and said they will play without fear. “We know we have been pitted against powerful teams. But, we are not afraid. We will play for the country. We will put up our best.”

Coach Ahsanullah Montu said his team have no dearth of talents. “I have never seen such a group of talent. I hope to go past the group stage and play the quarterfinals.”

Bangladesh will also play Chonburi tomorrow evening before taking on Cougars the following day. 

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