The Bangladesh women’s football team will begin their SAFF Women’s Championship campaign this afternoon (October 20), facing Pakistan in their Group A opener.

The match is set to kick off at 5:45 pm (Bangladesh time) at the Dasharath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal.

A win against Pakistan would secure Bangladesh a place in the semifinals, as Pakistan is in a vulnerable position following a 2-5 loss to India in their opening match. If Bangladesh emerges victorious, their next match against India will determine the group winner.

For Pakistan, this is a must-win game to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Led by captain Sabina Khatun, the Bangladesh squad arrived in Nepal on October 15 and has had ample time to prepare and acclimatize to the local conditions. The team, a mix of youthful talent and seasoned players, is eager to defend their title.

In a boost for Bangladesh, forward Krishna Rani Sarkar has returned from injury and is expected to feature in today’s match.

Bangladesh's final group stage match will be against tournament favorites India on October 23, also at Dasharath Rangasala Stadium. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, scheduled for October 27, with the final set for October 30. All matches will take place at the same venue.

Bangladesh Squad: Rupna Chakma, Mst Yeazman Begum, Mile Akter, Masura Parvin, Afeida Khandakar, Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar (Sr.), Nilufa 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, Mst Sagorika.

BDST: 1250 HRS, OCT 20, 2024
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