DHAKA, Oct 19, 2024 (BSS)- Bangladesh women’s football team will start their SAFF Women’s Championship campaign when they face Pakistan in their opening group A match scheduled to be held tomorrow (Sunday) at Dasharath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The match kicks off at 5.45 pm Bangladesh time. 

Bangladesh will need a win against Pakistan to confirm their semifinals spot because Pakistan are currently at a awkward position in the group after losing to India by 2-5 in their opening match.

If Bangladesh is able to beat Pakistan, then they will fight against India in their next match to decide the group champions.

On the other hand, it’ll be a do or die match for Pakistan to stay in the tournament race.

The Sabina and Co. who reached Nepal on October 15 to take part in the SAFF Championship, have got enough time to prepare themselves in Kathmandu. They also got some time to adjust to the local conditions. The team with a mixture of youth and experience must be looking forward to defend the title.

Bangladesh team is boosted by return of forward Krishnarani Sarkar from injury, ahead of the first match against Pakistan. 

Bangladesh will play their last group match against mighty India on October 23 at the same venue.

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 at the same venue.

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.