Bangladesh's Women's Football Team is set to face off against Nepal in the opening match of a two-match FIFA International Women's Football Series today (July 13).
The match will be held at the Birshreshtha Shaheed Sepoy Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur.
The Bangladesh Television network, a state-owned channel, will provide live coverage of the match, which commences at 5.30 pm.
This series marks the return of the Bangladesh women's team to international football after a hiatus of nine months, following their participation in the SAFF Women's Championship in Nepal last year.
This team, wearing their traditional red and green, emerged victorious in the SAFF championship for the first time, under the guidance of their then-head coach, Goloam Robbani Choton.
At a pre-match press conference held at the Bangladesh Football Federation's (BFF) conference room, the team's current head coach, Mahbubur Rahman Litu, expressed optimism about the team's current form. He also mentioned that while some players are dealing with minor injuries, they are on the path to recovery and are prepared to participate in the upcoming matches. Litu stated the team would make the most of the home ground advantage in their games against Nepal.
Sabina Khatun, captain of the Bangladesh women's team, acknowledged the absence of some key players from the previous SAFF squad but expressed confidence in the team's readiness to defend the country's honor on the field. Regarding the recent resignation of their former head coach Choton, she noted that while his absence is felt, the team remains in a strong position.
Striker Sabina commended the team's relationship with current coach Litu, who has worked with the team for a considerable period. She expressed hope that the team would perform well under his leadership.
Mahfuza Akter Kiron, a member of the AFC and BFF and chairman of the women's football wing, who was also present at the conference, announced that spectators would be allowed free entry to the stadium to encourage support for the team during the match.
Bangladesh squad: Rupna Chakma, Swarna Rani Mandal, Sathi Biswas, Masura Parvin, Mst Surma Jannat, Afeida Khandaker, Shamsunnahar (Sr.), Sheuli Azim, Nilufa Yasmin Nila, Anai Mogini, Maria Manda, Monika Chakma, Shohagi Kisku, Sapna Rani, Ritu Porna Chakma, Sanjida Akter, Marzia, Sabina Khatun (captain), Srimoti Krishna Rani Sarkar, Tohura Khatun, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Most Aklima Khatun and Sumaya Matsushima.
BDST: 0845 HRS, JULY 13, 2023
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