Bangladesh Women’s National Football Team completed their fifth training session in Bangkok on Thursday. The squad continues preparations for the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 in Goa. Fitness Coach Cameron Lord started the day with fitness drills. Players then moved into passing exercises and possession games. The session finished with high-intensity small-sided matches and set-piece practice.
Anika Rania Siddiqui opened the scoring during a 2-0 friendly win against Kasem Bundit Women’s FC on Monday. The 20-year-old midfielder represents Swedish club IF Brommapojkarna. Anika is the first European-based player who has joined the women’s national side. She provides a tactical shift for the team as they integrate foreign-born talent alongside local players.
“The journey has been good this far,” Anika said. “We started in Chittagong and now we’re here in Thailand. It’s very hot, but we’re managing the weather and taking it day by day.”
The squad uses the Bangkok heat to acclimatise for the upcoming tournament in Goa. They view the conditions as a tactical advantage. “The facilities here in Thailand are great. We’ve got a great pitch, dressing room, ice bath, everything,” Anika added. “The weather is very hot, so we’re managing; I think we’ll manage better in India.”
Bangladesh won the last two SAFF titles in 2022 and 2024. This young squad now faces the weight of the nation’s expectations as they chase a third consecutive trophy. Anika acknowledged the pressure during her post-practice interview.
“The expectations are very high. We want to win and we will do our best to bring the cup home to Bangladesh,” Anika said.
The team physio reported no injuries. Recovery sessions in the pool and gym followed the field work. Bangladesh play their final friendly in Thailand against Bangkok Sports School Club FC on 17 May. They depart for India on 22 May.
