Bangladesh are set to make their debut on the main stage of the Women’s Asian Cup this March in Australia, and excitement is mounting within the national women’s football team. On Monday, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) announced a 26-member squad for the tournament, with one standout inclusion: Sweden-based midfielder Anika Rania Siddiqui.
Anika’s inclusion has been widely anticipated for some time. Prior to her selection, she underwent trials in Dhaka, impressing coaches and teammates alike. Many observers believe that her European football experience will strengthen Bangladesh’s midfield and provide much-needed composure and tactical awareness on the field.
Alongside Anika, the squad features some of the country’s top performers from domestic and youth competitions. Alpi Akter, who has scored 25 goals in the ongoing Women’s Football League and netted seven in the recent SAFF U-19 Championship, brings proven goal-scoring ability. Goalkeeping duties will be shared by Rupna Chakma, Swarna Rani Mondal, and Mili Akter, while the defence is anchored by Shiouli Azim and Shamsunnahar Sr.
The midfield unit will see coordination between Anika, Maria Manda, Monika Chakma, and Rituparna Chakma, while forwards Tahura Khatun, Shamsunnahar Jr., and the emerging talent Sagrika are expected to carry the team’s main goal-scoring responsibility. The squad will be led by captain Afeeda Khandakar, who also doubles as a key defender.
Bangladesh are drawn into Group B, facing three Asian heavyweights: China, North Korea, and Uzbekistan. Their campaign begins on 3 March against China, followed by North Korea on 6 March, and concludes with Uzbekistan on 9 March.
The inclusion of overseas-trained players like Anika signals Bangladesh’s ambition to compete at a higher level and gain experience against top-tier Asian opposition. Analysts see the blend of domestic stars and international experience as a potential turning point in the team’s development.
Bangladesh Women’s Asian Cup Squad
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Rupna Chakma, Mili Akter, Swarna Rani Mondal |
| Defenders | Afeeda Khandakar (Captain), Kohati Kisku, Nabiren Khatun, Shiouli Azim, Shamsunnahar Sr., Halima Khatun, Souravi Afrin |
| Midfielders | Swapna Rani, Munki Akter, Airin Khatun, Shaheda Akter, Rituparna Chakma, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Anika Rania Siddiqui, Unnati Khatun |
| Forwards | Umehila Marma, Alpi Akter, Souravi Akand Preeti, Mosammat Sultana, Tahura Khatun, Mosammat Sagrika, Shamsunnahar Jr. |
| Standby | Arpita Biswas, Sinha Jahan, Shanti Mardi, Tanima Biswas |
Bangladesh’s first appearance on the Women’s Asian Cup stage is historic. With a combination of youthful energy, domestic talent, and overseas experience, the team hopes to make a mark in a highly competitive group and gain invaluable experience for future tournaments.