Bangladesh women’s football team will start the SAFF Championship 2024 campaign Sunday when they face Pakistan in their opening Group A match, scheduled to be held at Dasharath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu.
The match kicks off at 5:45pm Bangladesh time.
Bangladesh need a win against Pakistan to confirm the semi-final spot because Pakistan are currently at an awkward position in the group after losing to India by 2-5 margin in their opening match.
If Bangladesh are able to beat Pakistan, then they will fight against India in their next game to decide the group champions.
On the other hand, it will be a do-or-die match for Pakistan to stay alive in the tournament.
Sabina Khatun and Co, who reached Nepal last Tuesday to defend their SAFF title, got some time to adjust to the local conditions.
The team is a mixture of youth and experience.
The team are boosted by the return of forward Krishna Rani Sarkar from injury, ahead of the first match against Pakistan.
Bangladesh skipper Sabina said Saturday that they are expecting a tough challenge against Pakistan.
While talking to media during the team’s practice session at St. Xavier’s ground, the veteran Bangladesh attacker said she is considering Pakistan as a strong opponent compared to the last SAFF tournament.
“Pakistan team are far better compared to the last SAFF tournament and we saw they fought neck to neck against India,” she said in a video message.
Sabina added: “I think the match is not going to be an easy one and it will be a big challenge for us…If we can beat Pakistan, we will go to semi-final. So, we will take to the field focusing on this objective.”
She said they would miss the services of two important players - Swapna and Akhi - although she believes their absence will not impact the team.
In this connection, the captain said it is also a good opportunity for the newcomers to prove themselves on the field.
Bangladesh will play their last group tie against mighty India Wednesday at the same venue.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, to be held on October 27, while the final is slated for October 30.
All the matches will be held at the same venue.
Bangladesh squad: Rupna Chakma, Mosammat Begum, Mile Akter, Masura Parvin, Afeida Khandakar, Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar, Nilifa Yasmin Nila, Kohati Kisku, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Sapna Rani, Munki Akter, Airin Akter, Sumaya Matsushima, Sanjida Akter, Ritu Porna Chakma, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Sabina Khatun, Tohura Khatun, Shamsunnahar Jr, Krishna Rani Sarkar and Mosammat Sagorika