Bangkok, Thailand — In a commanding display of skill and determination, Bangladesh’s women’s futsal team etched their name into history by defeating the Maldives 14-2 to secure the inaugural South Asian Futsal Championship in Bangkok. The final round-robin match on Sunday, 25 January, saw the red-and-green side emerge as undefeated champions, cementing their status at the pinnacle of South Asian women’s futsal.
Hosted at the Nonthaburi Hall, the match began with the Maldives taking an early lead. However, captain Sabina Khatun and Masura’s squad quickly regained control, orchestrating an overwhelming comeback. With this victory, Bangladesh finished the tournament with five wins and one draw, amassing 16 points and confirming their dominance at the top of the table. Earlier, a resounding 9-1 triumph over Pakistan had positioned them firmly in the title race.
Throughout the tournament, Bangladesh demonstrated relentless superiority. Against Pakistan on Friday, Sabina Khatun netted four goals, while Nusrat Jahan scored a brace and Krishna Rani added one, propelling the team to a 6-0 halftime lead and an eventual 9-1 victory. Against the Maldives, even a draw would have sufficed to claim the trophy, yet the team pursued a spectacular win, capturing the inaugural trophy emphatically.
Bangladesh’s journey also saw them overcome strong competitors such as India and Bhutan. The team opened with a 3-1 victory over India, followed by a 3-3 draw with Bhutan. Subsequent matches included decisive wins over Nepal (3-0) and Sri Lanka (6-2), highlighting their consistent form and championship credentials.
The following table summarises Bangladesh’s performance in the tournament:
| Matchday | Opponent | Result | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 3-1 W | Sabina Khatun, Masura |
| 2 | Bhutan | 3-3 D | Sabina Khatun |
| 3 | Nepal | 3-0 W | Sabina Khatun, Krishna Rani |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | 6-2 W | Sabina Khatun, Nusrat Jahan |
| 5 | Pakistan | 9-1 W | Sabina Khatun (4), Nusrat Jahan (2) |
| 6 | Maldives | 14-2 W | Sabina Khatun, Masura |
Under the astute leadership of Sabina Khatun, Bangladesh not only remained unbeaten but also showcased tactical brilliance, technical prowess, and unmatched teamwork. This historic victory adds another feather to their cap, elevating the country’s stature in South Asian women’s football.
By claiming the inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship undefeated, Bangladesh has set a benchmark for future tournaments and reinforced its dominance in the region, making this achievement a landmark in the annals of the nation’s women’s football history.