Bangladesh women’s team has written a new chapter in the history of South Asian football. The red-and-green girls became undefeated champions by defeating Maldives 14-2 in their final match of the inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal Tournament.
Bangladesh has 16 points after six matches in the seven-team competition held in Bangkok. The Sabina Khatun-led team secured the title with the highest points. Although they had to wait until the last match due to the result of the India-Bhutan match, Bangladesh’s success was finalized with a big win against the Maldives.
Bangladesh dominated the match from the start. Leading 6-1 in the first half, the team became more aggressive after the break, adding eight goals. 14 goals in a match is the highest in the tournament.
Captain Sabina Khatun scored four goals alone; her goal tally for the entire tournament stood at 13. Under her leadership, the Bangladesh women’s team set new standards by winning two consecutive SAFF Football titles and this time the Futsal title.
Bangladesh scored 38 goals in the entire tournament, conceding only 9. The performance of defense and goalkeeper Swapna Akhtar Jhili was also notable.
Despite the lack of success in the men’s division, the women’s futsal team’s title was a bright and hopeful message for the country’s football.