The Bangladesh women’s team made history in the SAFF Futsal Championship

In a landmark achievement for Bangladeshi women’s football, Bangladesh defeated the Maldives 14–2 in the final round of the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship, emerging as unbeaten champions in the tournament’s inaugural edition. The match, held at Nonthaburi Hall in Bangkok on Sunday, 25 January, saw the Bangladesh team secure a dominant performance that will be remembered in the country’s sporting history.

The match began with the Maldives taking an early lead, but the Bangladeshi squad, led by captain Sabina Khatun and playmaker Masura Parvin, quickly regained control. By the end of the match, Bangladesh had not only overpowered their opponents but also confirmed their top position in the six-team round-robin league, finishing with five wins and one draw, amassing 16 points. Earlier, a resounding 9–1 victory against Pakistan had significantly strengthened Bangladesh’s claim to the trophy.

Throughout the tournament, Bangladesh displayed remarkable dominance. Against Pakistan, captain Sabina scored four goals, while Nusrat Jahan added a brace and Krishna Rani Sarkar also found the net, helping the team to a 6–0 lead at half-time and eventually a 9–1 triumph. Against the Maldives, a draw would have sufficed to claim the championship, but Bangladesh opted for a commanding victory, ensuring the trophy was won in emphatic style.

Bangladesh’s path to glory also included strong performances against regional rivals. The team began with a 3–1 win over India, drew 3–3 with Bhutan, and then defeated Nepal 3–0 and Sri Lanka 6–2, building momentum and confidence throughout. The victory against Pakistan propelled them to the top of the table with 13 points, setting up a confident finale against the Maldives.

This triumph marks Bangladesh’s continued ascent in South Asian women’s football, following consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship titles in the outdoor format. Sabina Khatun’s leadership, both on and off the pitch, was pivotal to this success, guiding her team to an unbeaten campaign and a historic title in futsal’s new South Asian edition.

Tournament Summary Table:

Bangladesh’s unbeaten campaign in this inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship not only underscores their growing dominance in South Asia but also sets a new benchmark for women’s futsal in the region.