Defending champions Bangladesh return to action in the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship 2025 on Sunday evening, facing a confident Nepal side at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka. The match kicks off at 7 PM, following the earlier fixture between Sri Lanka and Bhutan at 3 PM.
Bangladesh come into this clash fresh off a dominant 9-1 win over Sri Lanka in their opener, where Sagorika shone with a superb hat-trick and Munki Akhter added two more. Captain Afeida Khandakar will hope her squad carries that same fire into Sunday’s encounter.
Nepal, meanwhile, began their campaign with flair of their own, dismantling Bhutan 6-1. Forward Purnima Roy lit up the match with a four-goal performance that marked her as one to watch.
With both sides looking sharp in attack, the clash promises to be a high-octane battle between two early title contenders.
The sixth edition of the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship features four nations—Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan—competing in a double round-robin format. The team finishing top of the standings after all matches will be crowned champion.
Bangladesh are set to face Bhutan on July 15 and 17, Sri Lanka again on July 19, and will close the campaign with a second match against Nepal on July 21.
Nepal coach Yam Prasad sounded upbeat about his team’s chances, saying: “We are here to win. The preparation, mindset, and spirit in the squad are strong.” When asked if India’s absence makes the title easier to claim, he replied: “India is just one of many strong teams. Bangladesh have proven their quality by qualifying for the Asian Cup. So no, the path isn’t any easier.” Nepal have also opted not to bring in players from their senior national team, choosing instead to focus on long-term development. “This group will form the core of our future senior side,” said Yam. “We want to give them real experience now.”
Bangladesh Squad:
Swarna Rani Mandal, Nabiran Khatun, Mst Joynob Bibi Rita, Afeida Khandaker (captain), Mst Surma Jannat, Kanon Rani Bahadur, Sapna Rani, Mst Oeyshi Khatun, Sree Moti Trishna Rani, Mst Sagorika, Umehla Marma, Ayonto Bala Mahato, Rupa Akter, Mst Bonna Khatun, Most Munki Akhter, Kanom Akter, Mst Ruma Akter, Puja Das, Sinha Jahan Shikha, Shanti Mardi, Nadia Akter Juti, Mile Akter, Mst Fardosi Akter Shonale