Bangladesh Aims for Historic Hat-Trick Against Hosts India in SAFF Final

Bangladesh will take on hosts India in the final of the SAFF Women's Championship at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday evening. The match kicks off at 7:00 PM Bangladesh time.

The Bangladesh women's team is aiming to win a third consecutive SAFF title after lifting the trophy in 2022 and 2024. This will be the first SAFF Women's Championship final between Bangladesh and India since 2016.

Bangladesh began their Group B campaign with a 4-2 victory over Maldives but suffered a 3-0 defeat to India in their second match. Despite the loss, Bangladesh progressed to the semifinals as group runners-up.

In the last four, Bangladesh secured a 2-1 win over Nepal to reach the final for the third consecutive edition.

Ahead of the final, Bangladesh captain Maria Manda expressed confidence in her team's preparation and determination.

"We have reached the final and earned an opportunity to win the title. We want to make the most of it. Everyone is ready to give their best on the field," she said at the pre-match press conference.

Manda said the team is not feeling extra pressure despite facing India.

"We have played against India before and know them well. Our goal is to play good football and perform at our highest level," she said.

The midfielder added that Bangladesh are mentally prepared for any challenge.

"Our full focus is on the match. We want to fight with everything we have and give our best performance."

India reached the final after winning both group-stage matches, including an 11-0 victory over Maldives and a 3-0 win against Bangladesh. The hosts then defeated Bhutan 1-0 in the semifinals to book their place in the final, their first since 2019.

India are chasing a record sixth SAFF Women's Championship title. They won the first five editions from 2010 to 2019 but failed to reach the final in 2022 and 2024, when Bangladesh emerged champions.

Bangladesh Squad

Rupna Chakma, Mili Akhter, Swarna Rani Mondal, Halima Akhter, Shiuli Azim, Afaida Khandaker, Surma Jannat, Kohati Kisku, Suravi Akhter, Shamsunnahar (Senior), Utthala Khatun, Arpita Biswas, Momita Khatun, Maria Manda, Monica Chakma, Shaheda Akhter Ripa, Rituparna Chakma, Umehla Marma, Sagarika, Tahura Khatun, Anika Rania Siddique, Suravi Akand Preeti and Shamsunnahar (Junior).