Final squad selected for Asian Cup Women’s Football

Staff Report, PNN 

Ahead of the final stage of the Asian Cup Women’s Football to be held in Australia in March, Bangladesh’s coach Peter James Butler has completed the team selection. Although the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has not officially announced the squad, it has been confirmed and circulated on social media.

According to BFF sources, a total contingent of 38 members has been finalized, including 26 players and the rest coaching and support staff. Among the notable surprises is Swedish-based player Anika Rania Siddiqui.

After Bangladesh became champion in the SAFF Women’s Futsal, it was expected that multiple futsal players would be included in the Asian Cup squad. However, coach Butler chose Anika, who had been away from competitive football for a long time, after a few days of fitness training.

During the ongoing Dhaka Women’s Football League, Anika met coach Butler for short-term fitness training and then returned to Sweden. This brief preparation was sufficient for the coach to trust her inclusion.

In addition to Anika, new faces Sauravi Afrin and Alpi Akter were also included. Experienced players such as Sabina Khatun, Masura Parveen, and Krishna Rani Sarkar were not called for fitness training, sparking discussions in the football community.

The squad includes goalkeepers Mili Akter, Rupna Chakma, and Swarna Rani Mondal. Defenders, midfielders, and forwards include Rituporna Chakma, Tahura Khatun, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Nobiron Khatun, Shiuli Azim, Shamsunnahar (Junior & Senior), Halima Khatun, Swapna Rani, Irene Khatun, Umhela Marma, Unnati Khatun, among others.

Coaching staff includes Peter James Butler, Manager Khalid Mahmud Nowmie, Assistant Coach Mahbubur Rahman Litu, Mahmuda Akter, Goalkeeping Coach Masud Ahmed, along with medical and support staff.

The performance of Bangladesh’s women’s football team on the Asian Cup stage remains a major focus for sports enthusiasts.