DHAKA: Bangladesh will play only friendly match against Nepal football team in Dhaka on Thursday as part of preparations for the SAFF Championship.

A 20-member Nepali national football team has arrived here on Tuesday.

India will host the SAFF Championship from December 23 to January 3.

Bangladesh, Maldives and Afghanistan are in Group B while Nepali team, captained by Anil Gurung is in Group A along with host India and Sri Lanka.

The team manager of Bangladesh said the team was ready to face Nepal. “Among the registered 23 players are probable for the match against Nepal.

We are hopeful the match experience ahead of the tournament will be very helpful for us,” he added.

Nepal’s head coach Patrick Aussems said that they were ready for the match as the team has been training for two months.

“To play a friendly match of this standard six days ahead of the tournament is beneficial for the team. We are ready for the match.”

BDST: 0943 HRS, DEC 17, 2015
SR/SMS