Bangladesh drew 3-3 with Bhutan on Saturday in Bangkok in their second match of the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship, coming from behind twice to earn a hard-fought point in a tense contest.
Played in Thailand’s capital, the match saw Sabina Khatun’s side show resilience after trailing at different stages, following their impressive 3-1 win over India in the opening game of the tournament.
Bhutan took the lead in the first half to put Bangladesh under early pressure. Bangladesh responded through Sumaya Matsushima, who struck a superb long-range effort from midfield to restore parity. The teams went into the break level at 1-1 after a competitive opening period marked by high intensity and missed chances.
Bangladesh began the second half brightly but failed to convert several clear opportunities. That wastefulness proved costly as Bhutan scored twice in quick succession, opening up a 3-1 lead and putting Bangladesh on the brink of defeat.
At that point, captain Sabina Khatun stepped up. Showing her experience and composure, she scored Bangladesh’s second goal with a fine individual effort to pull her side back into the match. Bangladesh then increased the tempo of their attacks, pressing Bhutan deep in their own half.
The equaliser eventually arrived through Masura Parvin, whose goal made it 3-3 and reignited hopes of a late winner. Both teams pushed for a decisive goal in the closing minutes, but neither could find the breakthrough, and the points were shared at full-time.
Bangladesh now have four points from two matches, having beaten India and drawn with Bhutan. Bhutan, who had drawn 1-1 with Pakistan in their opening fixture, recorded their second consecutive draw. Bangladesh will face Nepal in their third match on Monday.
