It was third time lucky for Shamsunnahar Jr as captain of the youth national team as the previous two occasions ended in runners-up finish before the trophy finally arrived in her hands Thursday.
She was also in the much-talked squad of the Saff Championship 2022 winning Bangladesh senior team, but she was not the captain there and played mainly as substitute.
Winning the Saff U-20 Women's Championship 2023 delighted the skipper more as she also finished the campaign as the tournament's top-scorer with five goals.
Three of her goals came against Bhutan, one against Nepal in the tournament opener before she added another in the final.
The 19-year old forward was also adjudged the most valuable player of the four-team tournament.
“I captained twice before but couldn't win the title. So this time, again as captain, I feel so happy and proud,” Shamsunnahar Jr told reporters after the grand finale.
“I first played for the team. My main priority was that my team wins. I just got my chances and utilized them. Overall, I'm very happy.”
She was first made captain at the Saff U-15 Championship 2018 in Bhutan and was given the armband again for the Saff U-18 Championship in India last year.
“Our target was to play the final and win it. We practiced together for long time and also played three tournaments. It was our last chance as we are growing up,” said the jubilant skipper.
Also Read: Bangladesh crush Nepal to clinch Saff U-20 Women's Championship
“Everyone was expecting us to be champions as it is taking place at home. We really wanted the trophy. We were determined and gave our best.
“In the dressing room, we all put our hands one over other, closed our eyes and thought about family and 18 crore people of the country.”
Shamsunnahar Jr admitted that winning the senior Saff Championship last year was still her best achievement as she also scored against Nepal in that tournament.
Head coach Golam Rabbani Choton was full of praise for Shamsunnahar Jr and her team.
“It's the result of their hard work,” he said.
He added, “Many doubted whether she (Shamsunnahar Jr) would be fit or not but she proved them wrong.
“When she was on the pitch it gave more strength to the whole team. She is not only captain but also a vital player.”
Meanwhile, Rupna Chakma, another senior Saff Championship 2022 winning member, became the best goalkeeper of the tournament where she kept three clean-sheets out in four attempts.
Winger Shaheda Akter Ripa also garnered much praise for her stunning performances throughout the meet which included a couple of brilliant goals.
