Bangladesh have added another historic chapter to their women’s football journey, clinching the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship under the leadership of Sabina Khatun — the same captain whose hands once lifted the nation’s first and second SAFF Women’s Football titles.
In the final match, Bangladesh produced a breathtaking performance to thrash Maldives 14–2, sealing the championship crown in dominant fashion. The tournament was held in Thailand, where Bangladesh completed their campaign unbeaten to emerge deserved champions.
Maldives stunned Bangladesh with an early goal in the third minute, but their joy was short-lived. Captain Sabina Khatun quickly restored parity with a perfectly placed long-range free kick. Minutes later, she struck again from outside the circle to give Bangladesh a 2–1 lead, setting the tone for complete dominance.
From that moment on, Bangladesh took full control of the match. Within a span of just five minutes before the 19th minute, they scored four goals. Krishna Rani’s finish from Sabina’s assist and Lipi Akter’s goal from Krishna’s pass stood out for their quality. Before halftime, goals from Lipi Akter and Nouson Jahan extended the lead to 6–1.
The second half began in emphatic fashion as Sabina unleashed a powerful long-range strike to complete her hat-trick and fourth personal goal. The goal fest continued with Matsushima Sumaya and Nilufa Yesmin Nila joining the scoresheet. By the 30th minute, Lipi Akter had also completed her hat-trick.
Late goals from Krishna Rani with a fine finish and debutant Meherun further widened the margin. In the 36th minute, defender Masura Parvin found the net by slipping the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs, completing a massive 14–1 scoreline at that point.
Led brilliantly by Sabina Khatun and inspired by Lipi Akter’s hat-trick, this emphatic victory marks a historic milestone in Bangladesh women’s futsal, reinforcing the team’s growing dominance in South Asian football.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
