The SAFF Women’s and Men’s Futsal Championships will kick off in Thailand on January 13 and 14, respectively, with Bangladesh competing in both tournaments. On Tuesday, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) officially announced the final 16-member squads for the men’s and women’s teams.
Former national football captain Sabina Khatun has been appointed captain of the women’s futsal team, marking her return to international competition in a leadership role.
Sabina Returns as Captain After Seven-Year Gap
Sabina previously led Bangladesh’s women’s football team for several years but was sidelined following a dispute with former head coach Peter Butler. After being overlooked for football selection, Sabina — along with Masura, Sumaiya, Nila, and Krishna — shifted focus to futsal and began training camps.
In the newly announced squad, Sumaiya Matsumisama has been named vice-captain. Both Sabina and Sumaiya bring valuable overseas futsal experience to the team.
“Sabina’s leadership and experience will be crucial for us in this tournament,” a federation official said.
The women’s squad also sees the return of Marzia and Misrat Jahan Mousumi, once key figures in the national football team, who are making their comeback through futsal. Bangladesh last featured in the Asian Women’s Futsal Qualifiers in 2018 — also under Sabina’s captaincy. After a seven-year absence, the women’s futsal team is set to return to the international stage with Sabina once again at the helm.
Familiar Faces Lead Men’s Futsal Team
There were no major surprises in the men’s squad. Rahbar Khan, the Canadian expatriate who captained Bangladesh in the Asian Futsal Qualifiers in Indonesia, will continue as captain. Most players from that tournament have retained their places for the SAFF Championship.
One notable addition is England-based expatriate Iman Alam, who has been included as a new face in the squad.
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