'The girls are ready': Titu confident ahead of Uzbekistan clash

Bangladesh will kick off their AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup qualifying campaign against hosts Uzbekistan at the Do'stlik Stadium training ground in Tashkent on Thursday.

The women in red and green have their sights set firmly on reaching the 12-team finals, hoping to bounce back after failing to qualify for the last two editions despite making the cut in 2017 and 2019.

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Following a lengthy training camp and two warm-up matches against Jordan, the squad arrived in Uzbekistan five days early to acclimatize. They face a host nation looking to recover from a heavy 4-0 defeat to Group H favorites the Philippines on October 5.

"Getting five training sessions after landing here has been very good for us. We've tried our best to prepare for this crucial match, and overall, the girls are ready," said head coach-cum-technical director AKM Saiful Bari Titu.

Having watched the hosts’ opener, Titu noted that Uzbekistan showed strong mental resolve in the first half against the Philippines, giving him a clear blueprint for Thursday's game plan.

"We need to have a more energetic and enthusiastic approach against them. Our plan is to stay calm, hold possession, and take advantage of set pieces," Titu explained.

He is also optimistic that the 4:30 pm local kick-off time and the local climate will work to Bangladesh's advantage.

"The weather is perfect, which will help the girls in terms of physicality, endurance, and stamina, because we want them to fight for the full 90-plus minutes," he added.