Bangladesh Struggle Past Maldives in SAFF Opener

Defending champions Bangladesh made a shaky start to their bid for a third straight SAFF Women’s Championship title. Although they secured victory and a place in the semifinals, minnows Maldives pushed them hard ahead of their crucial clash against India. Poor defending and goalkeeping errors turned an easy-looking match into a difficult one, as Bangladesh eventually won 4–2 in Goa. The performance has raised concerns for coach Peter Butler ahead of the India test.

Midfield playmaker Monika Chakma and experienced right-back Shiuli Azim missed the match due to injury and illness. Against a Maldives side that had earlier lost 11–0 to India, their absence was not expected to be decisive, but it was clearly felt throughout the game. In midfield, Maria Manda looked unsettled without Monika, while Rituparna Chakma also failed to play her usual game.

At the back, Shiuli’s absence weakened the defense, which was exposed in both goals conceded. While goalkeeper Mili Akter bore some responsibility, center-backs Afeida Khandaker and Kohati Kisku also failed to deal with the defensive lapses.

However, Bangladesh made a dream start, taking the lead just 11 seconds after kickoff. On the first attack, Rituparna delivered a cross from the left to Sweden-based forward Anika Rania Siddiki, who controlled the ball and finished with her right foot. It was Rania’s first goal in her fourth international appearance for Bangladesh.

Rituparna could have doubled the lead in the third minute with an Olympic goal attempt, but her curling corner hit the far post and came back. In the 12th minute, Shamsunnahar Jr failed to connect properly with a low cross from Ritu. She wasted another major chance in the 28th minute after Maria set her up following a through pass from Ritu, but her left-footed shot went over the bar.

Umheila Marma doubled Bangladesh’s lead in the 34th minute, scoring from inside the box after capitalizing on a defensive mistake. Four minutes later, Afeida tested the Maldives goalkeeper Fatima with a long-range effort, which she pushed away with her fists.

Maldives pulled one back in the 43rd minute, taking advantage of Bangladesh’s defensive lapse. Forward Mariyam Noora attempted a floating long-range shot from outside the box. The two Bangladeshi center-backs failed to win the aerial challenge, and goalkeeper Mili Akter was caught out of position. The ball sailed over her head and went in after hitting the post.

Bangladesh returned from the break with more attacking intent but conceded again in the 57th minute against the run of play. Aminath Fazla equalized after being set up from midfield. She beat her marker Afeida and fired a shot from the edge of the box. Mili Akter dived to her left but failed to hold the ball, which slipped into the net.

Coach Butler responded with attacking substitutions, and in the 61st minute, substitute Shahida Akter Ripa’s cross found substitute striker Tohura, whose header went wide. Three minutes later, substitute forward Surovi Akhter Protty restored Bangladesh’s lead, finishing from close range after Rituparna’s cross was spilled by the goalkeeper.

Bangladesh missed several easier chances in the closing stages. However, they finally sealed the win in added time when Kohati Kisku headed in from a Rituparna corner.

Bangladesh will face hosts India on Sunday in a battle for top spot in the group. Despite the win, the narrow victory over Maldives has left concerns. Two years ago, Bangladesh drew their opening match against Pakistan in Kathmandu but went on to beat India in the final group game to top the group.

A draw against India will not be enough for Bangladesh to finish top of the group. Only a win will ensure a more favorable semifinal opponent.