The Bangladeshi Team Revels After Beating Pakistan

Just a day after the men’s team suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Pakistan in the SAFF Futsal Championship, Bangladesh’s women’s team delivered a spectacular response. On Thursday, the Bangladeshi men were beaten 5-1 by Pakistan at the Nonthaburi Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, leaving Saeed Khodarahmi’s side eliminated from the title race.

Determined to avenge that setback, Bangladesh’s women faced Pakistan on Friday (23 January) in the same venue—and they did so in emphatic style. The Bangladeshi side ran out 9-1 winners, a stunning result that highlighted the growing strength of the country’s women’s football. Captain Sabina Khatun scored four goals herself, while Krishna Rani Sarkar and Naushin Jahan netted twice each. Nilufa Yasmin Neela completed the scoring with a well-taken strike.

With this result, Bangladesh now sits atop the round-robin league table with 13 points from five matches, having secured four wins and one draw. India occupies second place with nine points, albeit having played one fewer match.

Bangladesh Women’s SAFF Championship Results

Bangladesh began the match with relentless attacking intent. In the seventh minute, Krishna’s pass found Matsushima Sumaiya on the right flank, who delivered a precise cross to an unmarked Sabina, who converted with ease. Neela doubled the lead moments later with a perfectly placed left-foot shot from just outside the circle, followed by Naushin’s strike in the tenth minute.

Pakistan struggled to cope as Bangladesh continued their relentless pressure. Within a minute at the end of the first half, Krishna and Sabina added two more goals, leaving Pakistan reeling.

The second half was less frantic as Bangladesh already enjoyed a comfortable lead, but they continued to add to the scoreline. Krishna netted her second of the game, while Anmol Hira briefly reduced the deficit for Pakistan. In the closing stages, Sabina scored twice more, including one from a difficult angle, sealing a comprehensive 9-1 triumph.

Bangladesh will conclude their round-robin campaign against the Maldives on Sunday. A victory in that fixture would secure the championship and crown the women’s team as SAFF champions—a fitting reward for their remarkable performance and resilience.