Bangladesh crowned inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal champion

Bangladesh have emerged champion in the maiden SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship after thumping Maldives 14-2 in their last match at the Hua Mak Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand today.

Captain Sabina Khatun led from the front once again, netting four goals while Lipi Akhter also scored a hattrick. Krisna Rani Sarkar scored a brace while Nouson Jahan, Sumaya Matsushima, Nilufa Yeasmin Nila, Mehenur Akhter and Masura Parvin scored one goal each.

With the result, Bangladesh have finished with 16 points in six games, courtesy of five wins and a draw. They are five points clear of second-placed Bhutan, who have one match left today, against Nepal, but even a win would only take them to 14 points.

The match had begun ominously for Bangladesh, with Masura scoring an own goal in the fourth minute.

However, Bangladesh, who went undefeated in the tournament, levelled the margin just two minutes later, courtesy of their captain Sabina.

Bangladesh ended the first half with a 6-1 lead and carried on their dominance after the break to complete a dominating victory to top off an excellent campaign. Maldives Mariyam Noora scored a consolation goal for Maldives in the second half.

Sabina finished the tournament as the highest goal-scorer netting 14 goals in total.

The Bangladesh team was formed with national team outcasts, many of whom had featured in their SAFF Championship winning squad, including captain Sabina.