Bangladesh women’s national futsal team made a dream start to the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship 2026 in Thailand, defeating India 3–1 in their opening group-stage match with a confident, disciplined, and tactically superior performance.
The victory followed a thrilling 4–4 draw between Bangladesh and India in the men’s futsal competition the previous day, highlighting the growing intensity of futsal rivalry between the two neighbours.
Bangladesh struck early to set the tone. In the 7th minute, captain Sabina Khatun finished clinically from an assist by Krishna Rani Sarkar, giving Bangladesh the lead. The goal was historic, as Sabina became the first-ever goal scorer for Bangladesh’s women’s futsal team in international competition.
The lead was doubled in the 13th minute, once again through Sabina Khatun. Krishna Rani Sarkar delivered a brilliant cross from the left flank, and the experienced forward outwitted both the defender and the Indian goalkeeper to slot home her second goal of the match.
Using a diamond-shaped attacking setup, Bangladesh kept India under constant pressure. High pressing, quick ball recovery, and sharp midfield transitions proved to be key strengths, while the experience of senior players ensured composure at crucial moments.
With a two-goal cushion, Bangladesh managed the second half intelligently, controlling fouls and using timeouts effectively to maintain their advantage. Head coach Said Khodarahmi’s excellent match reading and timely tactical decisions played a vital role in sustaining Bangladesh’s dominance.
India mounted several attacks after the break, but Bangladesh goalkeeper Swapna Akter Jhili produced a series of outstanding saves to deny the opposition and protect her team’s lead.
Bangladesh extended their advantage further in the 31st minute when Sumaiya Matsushima struck a powerful long-range effort following a swift midfield transition to make it 3–0. India pulled one goal back in the 36th minute, but it proved to be no more than a consolation as Bangladesh held firm to see out the match comfortably.
The win has significantly boosted Bangladesh’s confidence in the group stage of the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship 2026, complementing the men’s dramatic draw a day earlier and underlining Bangladesh’s growing presence and competitiveness in South Asian futsal.