DHAKA, Oct 14, 2024 (BSS) - A 23-member of Bangladesh women’s football team will leave for Nepal tomorrow morning in a mission to defend the title of SAFF Women’s Championship scheduled to be held from  October 17-30 in Kathmandu.

Sabina Khatun and Co were felicitated in an open-top bus after winning the SAFF title for the first time two years ago in Nepal. After exactly two years, the image of the national women's football team has changed a lot. Many members of that SAFF winning team are now absent in the current squad. Most importantly, the team does not have the successful coach Golam Rabbani Choton. 

Addressing at a pre departure press conference held today (Monday) at Bangladesh Football Federation Bhaban, Bangladesh skipper Sabina Khatun said: "I can't say whether we can retain the title or not." but it’ll be very challenging job.”

The goal matching Sabina Khatun said the SAFF Women's Championship is going to be more competitive compared to the last edition but she is upbeat to defend the title as this current squad is a mixture of young and experienced players. 

She said they would focus on their natural game and want to progress match by match to reach the final of the tournament.

Bangladesh women’s team could not play any preparation match this time before the important tournament like SAFF. Although Bangladesh team played a few preparatory matches with the U-19 team at Kings Arena, but captain Sabina Khatun does not thinks it would be enough for the team for the preparation before the big tournament.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh coach Peter Butler announced a 23-member final squad for SAFF Women's Championship with a mixture of youth and experience to retain the SAFF title.

Bangladesh will start their group A campaign taking on Pakistan on October 20 before play their last group match against mighty India on October 23. 

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals to be held on October 27 while the final is slated for October 30. 

All the matches will be held played at Dasharath Rangasala Stadium.

Bangladesh squad: Rupna Chakma, Mst Yeazman Begum, Mile Akter, Masura Parvin, Afeida Khandakar, Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar (Sr.) Nilifa Yasmin Nila, Kohati Kisku, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Sapna Rani, Munki Akter, Airin Akter, Sumaya Matsushima,  Sanjida Akter, Ritu Porno Chakma, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Sabina Khatun, Tohura Khatun, Shamsunnahar (Jr.), Krishna Rani Sarkar and Mst Sagorika.