Bangladesh Under-17 women’s football team are set for a new challenge as they head to Bhutan on Friday for the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship 2025. The squad, a mix of experienced campaigners and fresh faces, is aiming to return home with the trophy.
Although Bangladesh women’s football has enjoyed success in senior and youth levels, the Under-17 side has often fallen short. Formed in 2023, the team came close to glory last year when they lost to Russia in the final of an AFC-UEFA combined tournament held in Kamalapur. Determined to change the story this time, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has invested heavily in preparation.
“We have built a well-organised squad blending experience and youth. I hope they will give their best in Bhutan and we have prepared them to bring out their full potential,” said Mahfuza Akhter Kiron, head of BFF’s women’s wing.
While head coach Mahbubur Rahman Litu holds the official role, assistant coach Abul Hossain has overseen most of the preparations. He worked closely with former Bangladesh men’s head coach Peter Butler in the early stages. Litu believes his team is strong enough to compete for the title. “Our experienced players will manage the pressure, while the younger ones will light up the pitch,” he said.
Abul Hossain stressed the importance of youth teams in building a strong national squad. “If we can produce quality players from the youth level, it will strengthen the senior national team in the future,” he noted.
Captain Arpita Biswas, already tested as skipper of the Under-16 side during their Nepal tour, remains optimistic but calm. “We see every match as a separate stage. Our preparation is good and we are confident,” she said, adding that team morale is high.
The 23-player squad includes seasoned names like goalkeepers Mst. Yarjan Begum and Meghla Rani Roy, as well as Arpita, Suravi Akand Preeti and Alpi Akter. Newcomers include goalkeeper Protima Rani and forward Mamoni Chakma among five debutants.
Interestingly, the tactical and training blueprint for the team has come from Peter Butler, despite his decision not to accompany them to Bhutan. “Whatever you see on the pitch will be based on Butler’s design. He made the plans and the team trained under that system,” Kiron explained.
India, who skipped the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship earlier this year, will be participating this time. Litu confirmed Bangladesh have a special plan for them. “We have made a blueprint to beat them. We will approach the tournament one match at a time,” he said. The two group clashes between Bangladesh and India, on 22 and 31 August, could well decide the fate of the tournament.