Bangladesh girls in command as SAFF U-20 enters final stretch
Defending champions Bangladesh are firmly in control of their destiny heading into the final phase of the SAFF Under-20 Women's Championship in Dhaka.
With three wins in as many games, Peter Butler's charges sit atop the four-team table on nine points, three ahead of their closest rivals, Nepal -- whom they edged in dramatic fashion with a stoppage-time winner earlier in the tournament.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. As the double round-robin format nears its conclusion, the equation is simple: Bangladesh are in pole position. They face Bhutan again tonight at 7pm, just two days after a hard-fought 4-1 win in a rain-affected clash that spanned two venues -- Kings Arena and Kings Training Ground.
Nepal, meanwhile, will take on winless Sri Lanka this afternoon at 3pm.
Both Bangladesh and Nepal are expected to pick up full points before the potential title decider on July 21.
If results go as predicted, Bangladesh could all but seal the title before that final showdown, needing only a draw against Nepal on the last matchday. But this team, under Englishman Butler, are not playing with just the scoreboard in mind.
Butler has repeatedly stressed on the importance of development, demanding consistency, composure, and tactical evolution from a group that already boasts a strong regional pedigree. With several players -- as many as nine -- having recently featured in the senior squad's Asian Cup qualifying campaign, the coach's focus remains on raising the ceiling.
Tonight, on a rain-threatened evening in Dhaka, Butler is expected to rotate his players to reduce injury risks while ensuring the side maintain control and rhythm throughout the 90 minutes.
The message will be clear: take charge early, manage the tempo, and avoid unnecessary late pressure.
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