Bangladesh take on Nepal in the first semifinal of the SAFF Women's Championship scheduled to be held today (Wednesday) at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa India with both teams take to the field to secure their place in the final.
The match kicks off at 4.30 pm Bangladesh time.
The defending champions Bangladesh got off to a winning start beating Maldives 4-2, but the girls in red and green suffered a major setback with a 3-0 defeat to five-time champions India in their second match to finish group B runners-up.
The Bangladesh squad came under heavy mental pressure following a 3-0 defeat to host India. In the group stages of the last two editions of the SAFF Championship, this team had defeated India 3-0 and 3-1. However, Sunday's loss has dealt a severe blow to girls in red and green, who are chasing hat-trick titles after becoming unbeaten champions in 2022 and 2024 edition in Nepal.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh cancelled on-field training session today following the sad news of the passing of the mother of defender Sheuli Azim.
The entire team and officials extend their heartfelt condolences to Sheuli Azim and her family during this difficult time and keep them in their thoughts and prayers.
As part of the team's recovery programme, the players completed ice bath sessions at the team hotel. Later in the afternoon, the squad went for a long walk along the beach adjacent to the team hotel, followed by a team meeting and video analysis session.
During the session, the coaching staff reviewed the strengths and weaknesses of the Nepal and discussed the game plan and key tactical aspects ahead of the semi-final.
Nepal, on the other hand, topped Group A after a 1-0 win over Bhutan and a 2-0 victory over Sri Lanka in the group phase engagements.
Squad: Rupna Chakma, Mile Akter, Swarna Rani Mandal, Halima Akter, Sheuli Azim, Afeida Khandakar , Surma Jannat, Kohati Kisku, Surovi Akter, Shamsunnahar (Sr.), Unnoti Khatun, Arpita Biswas, Momita Khatun, Maria Manda, Monika Chakma, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Ritu Porna Chakma, Umehla Marma, Sagarika, Tohura Khatun, Anika Rania Siddique, Sauravi Akanda Prity and Shamsunnahar (Jr.). "BSS
