Bangladesh are pitted against Uzbekistan, Qatar and Iraq in Group D but they are not worried about the opposition and instead hope to learn from their experience.

"We actually don't know about the opposition's strength but I hope we will have to play well, said Bangladesh captain Atiqur Rahman Mishu at a press conference at the Bangabandhu National Stadium conference room.

"Although we have never these teams at under-17 level we will still try to be positive," said the shy young left-back.

Coach Shahidur Rahman Shantoo, who has been preparing the team for one year also said that his boys will be able to compete.

"The standard of Asian football is steadily rising so we have not reached that point yet. But I think my boys have at least that amount of stamina and control to compete for 90 minutes against any side," Shantoo said.

"Continuing to work with the same team for a few more years is the right way to develop," the former national goaltender added.

National Team Management Committee chairman Kazi Salahuddin, who was also present, backed Shantoo's comments.

"We have to deal with a set of players at least for three or four years if we want to improve the standard of football. We also have to think about working on different age-groups," said Salahuddin, arguably the best footballer the country has ever produced.

Bangladesh Football Federation general secretary Anwarul Haque claimed that for the first time, the federation is sending a genuine U-17 team.

"In the past, we have sent over-aged players but this time we were determined not to do this. Halfway through the preparation, we have discarded three booters who were found to be over-aged," Helal said.

As part of their preparations the team played four warm-up matches against different club sides in Thailand last month.

TEAM
Atiqur Rahman Mishu (captain), Mazharul Islam, Imdadul Haq Monu, Abul Kashem, Arafat Ali, Mamunul Islam, Rony Islam, Mamun Hossain, Zahid Hussein, Rajan Miah, Mithun Chowdhury, SM Rajib, Sarwar Hossain, Al Amin Hossain, Nasirul Islam, Rubel Ahmed, Hirak Joardar, Ali Hossain, Abid Hossain and Rahatul Kabir.