Bangladesh crowned a remarkable campaign by winning the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship, thrashing Maldives 14–2 in their final match in Thailand on Sunday.
Often sidelined in mainstream football and currently outside the plans of national team coach Peter Butler, Sabina and her teammates delivered a powerful statement on the futsal stage.
The emphatic victory at Nonthaburi Hall sealed Bangladesh’s maiden SAFF futsal title and marked a historic moment for the country’s women’s game.
Maldives stunned Bangladesh with an early goal in the third minute, but the lead lasted only moments. Captain Sabina Khatun restored parity with a precise long-range free kick before atoning for a missed penalty by converting another free kick from outside the circle to make it 2–1.
From that point on, it was complete domination by Bangladesh.
Between the 14th and 19th minutes, Bangladesh scored four goals in a devastating five-minute spell. Krishna Rani struck from a Sabina assist, while Lipi Akter finished clinically after being set up by Krishna.
Before halftime, further goals from Lipi and Naushin Jahan extended the lead to 6–1.
Sabina continued her masterclass early in the second half, completing her hat-trick with a powerful long-range strike and quickly adding her fourth goal. Matsushima Sumaiya and Nilufar Yasmin Nila then joined the scoring spree, before Lipi Akter completed her own hat-trick at the 30-minute mark.
Late goals from Krishna Rani, debutant Meherun, and defender Masura Parvin; who slotted the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs in the 36th minute, pushed the scoreline to a stunning 14–1, before Maldives managed a consolation goal.
The final whistle confirmed a record-breaking win and a landmark achievement for Bangladesh futsal.
Bangladesh finished the seven-team tournament with 16 points from six matches, registering five wins and one draw to top the standings.
Under SAFF regulations, the team with the highest points is awarded the championship, handing Sabina and her teammates a richly deserved title and a place in Bangladesh’s sporting history.
