Bangladesh women’s football team lost the only FIFA friendly of their UAE tour by 3-1 to the UAE women’s team on Wednesday.
Skipper Afeida Khandaker scored the only goal for Bangladesh just before the first half ended. Bangladesh trailed 2-1 at the half time and needed a comeback. But they conceded another goal in the second half to eventually lose the match 3-1.
The team has undergone several changes, with head coach Peter Butler selecting a squad primarily made up of age-level players.
This decision came after 18 senior footballers—who played key roles in the SAFF-winning campaign—initially boycotted training. Although they ended their boycott just days before the squad announcement, they were deemed unprepared to participate in the tour.
Defender Afeida, who wore the captain’s armband against the UAE, has been a regular in the senior team. Kohati, Munki, Swapna, and Ripa were part of the SAFF Championship-winning squad.
Meanwhile, Airin, Prity, Tonima, and Sultana made their debut for Bangladesh last night.
A second unofficial football match will take place on March 2.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
