Bangladesh Announce a Strong 16-Member Squad

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has officially announced a formidable 16-member squad for the upcoming SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship, marking a significant and symbolic return to international futsal for the national women’s team. The tournament is set to begin on 13 January in Thailand, alongside the SAFF Men’s Futsal Championship, which will kick off a day later on 14 January. The squads for both competitions were unveiled on Tuesday, 23 December, by the federation.

The most talked-about aspect of the announcement is the reinstatement of Sabina Khatun as captain. Sabina, the long-standing leader of Bangladesh’s women’s football team, had remained outside the national setup following a player revolt linked to head coach Peter Butler. Her appointment as captain of the futsal side not only underscores her experience and leadership qualities but also signals BFF’s continued trust in her ability to guide the team during a crucial transitional phase.

This tournament represents Bangladesh women’s futsal team’s return to the international stage after a seven-year absence. The last time the team featured in a major futsal competition was in 2018, during the AFC Women’s Futsal Championship qualifiers—also under Sabina’s captaincy. Her return to the armband, therefore, adds a sense of continuity and confidence as the side prepares to re-establish itself among South Asia’s elite.

The final squad blends experience with resilience. Marzia, a member of Bangladesh’s historic 2022 SAFF Women’s Championship-winning football team, has earned a place in the futsal lineup, bringing proven big-match temperament. Equally notable is the return of Misrat Jahan Mousumi, who makes her comeback to the national setup after a prolonged absence. However, competition for places has been fierce, with initial squad members Unnati Khatun, Nasrin Akter and Sejuti Islam Smriti missing out on the final selection.

On the men’s side, BFF has opted for stability rather than surprise. Canada-based Rahbar Khan, who previously captained Bangladesh during the AFC Futsal qualifiers in Indonesia, retains the captain’s armband. Among the new inclusions, England-based expatriate footballer Iman Alam stands out as one to watch.

For Bangladesh, the SAFF Futsal Championship is more than just a tournament—it is an opportunity to rebuild, redefine ambitions, and showcase the depth of talent in women’s futsal. With Sabina Khatun once again leading from the front, expectations are quietly optimistic.

Bangladesh Women’s Futsal Squad (SAFF Championship)