Bangladesh goalkeeping coach Masud Ahmed Ujjal has confirmed that Swapna Rani Mondal and Rupna Chakma will both feature in Monday’s practice match against Thai league side Kasem Bundit, with first-choice goalkeeper Mili Akter still unable to handle the ball following a hand injury sustained before the camp.
Mili, who was Bangladesh’s number one at the most recent Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, received three stitches to her hand and has not yet resumed ball work. Ujjal confirmed she remains on track but requires another two to three days before she can return to full training. “It has dried up and we are working regularly on her fitness. We will try to bring Mili back from the following match,” he said.
In her absence, Ujjal intends to use the practice fixture to assess both Rupna, an established presence between the posts, and the less experienced Swapna, who is relatively new to the national setup.
Bangladesh are currently in Bangkok for an intensive training camp ahead of the Women’s SAFF Championship, which begins on 25 May in Goa, India. Sunday’s session, the third day of training at the Alpine Football Camp Training Ground, was focused on improving the understanding between the defensive and midfield units, with head coach Peter James Butler placing particular emphasis on shape both in and out of possession.
Ujjal, speaking in a video message shared through the Bangladesh Football Federation, outlined the purpose of the upcoming practice matches.
“We are going to play a match tomorrow against local club Kasem Bundit. These matches will be very helpful for us in terms of the style of football we want to play. We have added some new players to the squad and this gives us an opportunity to assess them. We want to see what they are capable of and how well they can fulfil their roles and responsibilities. These matches will be very important for us ahead of the SAFF Championship.”
Kasem Bundit are currently fourth in the ongoing Thai league, making them a useful benchmark for a Bangladesh side sharpening their preparations for the regional tournament.
Ujjal, who has been part of both of Bangladesh’s Women’s SAFF Championship-winning campaigns, reported that the squad is in excellent physical condition ahead of the tournament. He praised the overall fitness levels of the group, including Rituparna and Monika, and confirmed there are no significant injury concerns beyond Mili’s hand.
“Overall, the condition of the team is very good. Everyone is physically fit and there are no injury concerns. The girls are training well,” he said.
Bangladesh will begin their bid for a third consecutive SAFF title when they face the Maldives on the opening day of the tournament on 25 May. They then take on record five-time champions India on 31 May in what is likely to be the defining group stage fixture. With the camp progressing well and competitive practice matches now underway, the coaching staff will be hoping to have Mili back between the posts well before the tournament begins.
