Bangladesh clinch inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal title over Maldives

Bangladesh under captain Sabina Khatun claimed the inaugural SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship title with a record-breaking 14-2 victory over the Maldives in their final match in Bangkok, Thailand.

Having already secured the trophy with a 9-1 win against Pakistan, Bangladesh needed only a point to confirm the title. However, the team surpassed expectations with a dominant performance, marking their first triumph in the inaugural women’s futsal tournament and the third consecutive SAFF title under Sabina’s leadership.

The Maldives opened the scoring in the third minute, but Sabina Khatun equalized with a free-kick three minutes later. Despite missing a penalty in the seventh minute, Bangladesh seized control, with Krishna Rani scoring after being fouled in the box.

Bangladesh went ahead in the 13th minute through another free-kick by Sabina, followed by goals from Krishna Rani and Lipi Akter, bringing the score to 6-1 at halftime.

In the second half, Sabina completed a hat-trick to make it 7-1, with Sumaiya, Sabina again, Nilufa Nila, Lipi Akter, and Krishna Rani adding further goals. Mehenur Akter and Masura Parvin scored the 13th and 14th goals, sealing a record-margin victory.

The win highlights Bangladesh’s dominance in South Asian women’s futsal and sets a high benchmark for future tournaments.

RI/MHK