‘Mile decision taken two months ago’

Many were surprised to see goalkeeper Mile Akter in Bangladesh’s starting XI for their AFC Women’s Asian Cup opener against nine-time champions China on Tuesday, as experienced Rupna Chakma was left on the bench.

But the move, team officials revealed, had been planned well in advance.

The tall shot-stopper justified the decision of coach Peter Butler with an impressive display that helped Bangladesh avoid a heavier defeat, even though they eventually lost 2-0 to the reigning champions.

“We started our plan regarding Mile at least two months ago. After discussing the matter with the head coach, we decided to start her against China,” said goalkeeping coach Masud Ahmed after Wednesday’s recovery session.

Masud said they had been working specifically on how to use Mile’s height against China’s strengths.

“During the domestic league and national team training sessions, we worked on China’s strong points and how we could utilise Mile’s height. She has proved that she is capable of playing at this level,” he said.

Mile herself admitted she had known beforehand that she would get the nod against China and prepared accordingly.

“I knew I would play against China. I understood it during the domestic league matches.”

The young goalkeeper said she would learn from the two goals she conceded.

“I made some mistakes and conceded two goals. I will watch them again to avoid those mistakes in the next match,” she said.

“As it was my first international match, I was a bit nervous at the beginning, but later I overcame it because the coaches and senior teammates supported me.”

Masud added that the team would begin working on their mistakes from Thursday after reviewing the match footage.

“We played according to the plan and the girls executed it properly. As coaches, we understand their mentality and take their words seriously, and that is reflected on the ground,” he said.