Sabina Returns to Captain Bangladesh Futsal Squad

In a significant move for the national sporting landscape, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has officially confirmed its 15-member squad for the upcoming South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Futsal Championship. The most striking development in the announcement is the reinstatement of veteran talisman Sabina Khatun as captain, marking her triumphant return to the national setup after a period of professional turbulence.

Sabina’s inclusion follows a highly publicised hiatus from the national football team, stemming from reported disagreements with British head coach Peter Butler. Despite being sidelined from the traditional eleven-a-side format, the prolific striker redirected her focus toward the faster, technically demanding discipline of futsal. Her commitment during rigorous training camps has paved the way for her to lead the side alongside Sumaya Matsushima, who has been appointed vice-captain.

A Strategic Blend of Experience and Youth

The squad selection reflects a desire for continuity and championship-winning pedigree. Joining Sabina are several prominent figures from Bangladesh’s historic 2022 SAFF Women’s Championship-winning squad, including Masura Parvin and Krishna Rani Sarkar. Notably, the final roster sees the return of Mishrat Jahan Moushumi, who has been absent from the international fold for an extended period, and the versatile Marzia.

However, the selection process necessitated difficult omissions. Early trainees Unnoti Khatun, Nasrin Akter, and Sejuti Islam Smriti failed to make the final cut as the federation narrowed the list to fifteen players ahead of the tournament in Thailand.

Reviving a Dormant Discipline

This tournament marks Bangladesh’s re-entry into the international futsal arena after a seven-year absence. The national women’s side last competed in this format during the 2018 Asian Cup Futsal qualifiers—a campaign also led by Sabina Khatun. As the team prepares for the inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship, commencing on 13 January in Bangkok, the focus remains on adapting their outdoor skills to the high-intensity requirements of the indoor game.

Complete 15-Member Squad

The final contingent includes: Sabina Khatun, Sumaya Matsushima, Masura Parvin, Krishna Rani Sarkar, Lipi Akter, Mehenur Akter, Ratri Moni, Sumi Khatun, Naushin Jahan, Nilufa Yasmin Nila, Mishrat Jahan Moushumi, Marzia, Sathi Biswas, Iti Rani, and Swapna Akter July.