Tohura Khatun, one of the prolific performers of the Bangladesh Women football team, was not in spotlight before the match against India anad Bhutan in the ongoing SAFF Women’s Championship.
Youngster caught sight of all after scoring five goals in the last matches including a hattrick and her fives goals were in the two vital matches.
Obviously, her two goals in the match against India that Bangladesh won by 3-1, were more significant than the hattrick, she struck against Bhutan in their 7-1 triumph in the semifinal.
The match against India was very important to move into the semifnal when saw a set back in the first after a 1-1 draw against Pakistan, Tohura scored two goals in their 3-1 win to confirm the semifnal berth.
However, the diminutive forward from Kalsindur became into limelight after earning player of the match award for playing signicant role in both group and semifinal matches as Bangladesh reached in second successive final in style.
In absence of absence of self-exiled experienced forward Sirat Jahan Swapna, who had tremendous contribution during Bangladesh’s triumph their maiden title of the SAFF in 2022 when she scored four goals.
As replacement for Swapna, younger forwards Mosammat Sagorika, Shamsunnahar Jr and Sauravy Akanda Prityoften in cluded in the side while due to her injury, Tohura Khatun could hardly grab any headlines.
After the incredible performances in the last two encounters, now the expectations is high with diminutive forward Tohura, fans will be expecting a repeat of her brilliance in the final against Nepal to make it back-to-back titles win.
Tohura, marking final as anyboy’s game, said, the reporters after a practice session in Kathmandu, “I think the two best sides moved into the final and it will be a 50-50 game. Nepal are a strong opponent and the team that will take their chances will come out victorious. We will give our 100 percent in the final.” Replying to another query, Tohura said, “Actually, I always focus on the team work, rather individual performances.
It’s a team game, so everyone has to perform equally good, then you will get the expected result.”
Tohura, in fact made her room in the national squad after her consistent in domestic competition and in the international matches of age group competitions. Tohura scored 33 goals in 28 matches of Bangladesh Women's League in the last three seasons when she also proved her scoring ability scoring plenty of goals in age-group international tournaments.
Tohura, who scored one goal in the last campaign, when compared between the 2022 and the 2024 squa
3ds, said, “The squad of 2022 was strong because as that team became champions. The current sqauad is also a good side but I like to call it a strong, if once again we become champions.”
