Defending champions Bangladesh Women’s Football team will fly for Nepal on Tuesday to compete in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship 2024 to be held in Kathmandu from October 17 to 30 with a hope to retain the regional soccer crown.

Ahead of the ensuing SAFF Championship, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) on Monday announced a 23-member Bangladesh women’s football team that included nine team officials.

Bangladesh, which was placed in three-team Group A of the seven -nation meet India and Pakistan while four-team Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan and the hosts Nepal.

Holders Bangladesh, the champions of 2022, will start their campaign taking on Pakistan on October 20 at 5:45 pm at the Dashrath Rangasala (Stadium) in Kathmandu while they face five times champions India on October 23 at the same time and same venue.

BFF member and Chairperson of the Committee for Women’s Football Mahfuza Akter Kiron, team manager Mahmuda Akter, Head Coach Pater James Butler, captain Sabina Khatun and vice-captain Maria Manda disclosed their expectation and preparations at a press conference at the BFF house on Monday.

Captain Sabina Khatun said, “We will miss the services of our two key players Anthi Khatun and Sirat Jahan Swopna, we will try our best to fill the gap with new players .Moreover, we failed to play mentionable preparation matches this time, however, our target in to give best in the meet”.

But, Vice-captain Maria sought blessing from the countrymen to achieve the goal.

Bangladesh women’s team : Rupna Chakma, Masura Parvin, Afeida Khandakar, Sheuli Azim. Shamsunnahar Sr, Nilufa Yasmin Nila, Airin Khatun, Kohati Kisku, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda (vice captain), Sapna Rani, Sumaya Matsushima, Sanjida Akhter, Munki Akhter, Ritu Porna Chakma, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Sabina Khatun (captain), Tohura Khatun, Shamsun nahar jr, Krishna Rani Sarkar, Mst Yearzan, Mile Akter and Mst Sagorika.