Bangladesh National Women's Football team departed Dhaka for Nepal on Tuesday, aiming to defend their SAFF Championship title. However, Captain Sabina Khatun has expressed concerns regarding their preparation. Following their emphatic victory in 2022, the progress of Bangladesh women's football has not met expectations.
Despite regular training camps, Sabina believes that playing more matches would have been crucial for their preparation ahead of the tournament. She remarked, "We have been in regular camps, which is a positive aspect. However, it would have been better to play more matches, as training and match temperament are not the same. Even though we regret not being able to play more matches, now is not the time to dwell on it. The SAFF Championship is ahead, and we must proceed with what we have prepared."
The team has undergone several changes, with key players Ankhi Khatun and Sirat Jahan Swapna not included in the squad. Sabina acknowledged their absence, saying, "We will miss Ankhi and Swapna. Their presence makes the opponents view us differently. However, the current team members are also talented footballers. I believe we can achieve good results if they give their best."
Sabina refrained from setting specific expectations for their title defence, focusing instead on giving their best effort. She stated, "We can't specify our goal right now. We will try our best, and time will reveal everything." She added, "If there are no incidents with Pakistan and we secure a win in the first match, there is a chance for positive outcomes."
