Bangladesh’s preparations for Wednesday’s SAFF Women’s Tournament semi-final against Nepal suffered an emotional setback after senior defender Sheuli Azim lost her mother on Tuesday morning. Basna Azim died after a long battle with kidney disease, leaving the Bangladesh camp in mourning less than 24 hours before the crucial knockout match.
Sheuli is the most experienced player in the current Bangladesh squad. She has not featured in the tournament so far, but she remains one of the senior figures in the dressing room.
The news left the defender devastated. Bangladesh cancelled their scheduled morning training session after players and staff learned of Basna Azim’s death.
Basna Azim had suffered from kidney disease for a prolonged period. She died early on 2 June 2026.
The Bangladesh Football Federation expressed condolences following the death. The federation acknowledged the loss suffered by Sheuli and her family at a difficult moment for both the player and the national team.
Bangladesh now face the challenge of preparing for their semi-final against Nepal while coping with the emotional impact inside the squad. The match will take place on 3 June, with a place in the tournament final at stake.
Basna Azim is survived by two daughters and three sons.
The semi-final comes after Bangladesh secured their place in the last four and continued their pursuit of another regional title. However, the focus inside the camp shifted on Tuesday as players and staff rallied around one of the longest-serving members of the national team during a period of personal grief.
