Dhaka, September 7: Bangladesh national U16 girls are hopeful of a good performance ahead of the AFC U16 Women's Championship 2017 starting at Thailand on September 8.

“We are not afraid, we have to fight with what we have, and we are determined for a good performance, "said Krishna Rani Sarker, the captain of Bangladesh U-16 women’s national team on the eve of their departure to Bangkok to play in the final round of the AFC U-17 Championship on Thursday.

In the official press meet at the BFF House skipper Krishna and coach Golam Rabbani Choton vowed to present a competitive Bangladesh against the top ranked teams of the world. Bangladesh is pitted in group A alongside North Korea, Japan and Australia.

Choton said the girls have worked hard to close the gap with the powerhouses. “They can run 2700-3100 meters in 90 minutes, that is the fitness level of the highest standards. We have worked hard technically, tactically and psychologically to give our best on the field” said Choton.

“Earlier, we did not pose any threat to others. However, scenes have changed. Now, I can confidently say Bangladesh will be force to reckon with. Our girls have the power to match the powerhouses fighting spirits. Australia, Japan and Korea are top ranked team, but Bangladesh will not be a team that would be swept away” said Choton.

Krishna Rani said she has all the belief in her team. “We have won the qualifiers when nobody expected, we will be now playing with the superpowers, we are not afraid, we have overcome the fear and we will try our best to put a good show” said Krishna.

BFF’s Technical and Strategic Director Paul Smalley said the girls have already crossed their expectations. “With their commitment and hard work, the girl’s in my point of view has exceeded the expectations.

"Now they will be playing at the top, we are not pressuring them. Playing in the final round will earn them valuable experience. We will groom them for the U-19 Championships. They are an asset to Bangladesh” said Smalley.

Mahfuza Akter Kiron, the chairman of BFF’s women’s wing said the team will be under the BFF’s supervision for future tournaments.

F.M. Iqbal bin Anwar Dawn, the additional director of Walton, team leader Amirul Islam Babu, manager Zakir Hossain chowdhury, BFF general secretary Abu Naeem Shohag were also present on the occasion.