When was the last time a sporting achievement in Bangladesh was celebrated in an open-top bus? If you look for the answer to this question, you will catch before your eyes the image of Sanjida Akhtar-Krishna Rani Sarkar holding the trophy. By winning the 2022 SAF Championship, the girls created history in the country’s football. The occasion of that joyous journey from the airport on the way to Bafuffe Bhavan is once again shaking hands in front of the girls. Once again Sabina Khatun’s team in the final of SAFF Championship. What will happen again open-top bus celebration?
Bangladesh will compete against the hosts in the final on Wednesday (October 30) at Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal. The game will start at 6:45 pm Bangladesh time. Two years ago, the girls won South Asia’s football crown for the first time, defeating Nepal 3-1 at this ground.
Remembering the last time before the match, Sanjeeda wrote on her Facebook page today, ‘Seeing this scene of celebrating in an open-top bus in 2022 was the first time for the countrymen, it was also a wonderful feeling for us. We were moved by the sight of the football lovers of the country standing around the streets in hot weather, as the overnight arrangements were made to honor our sentiments.’
Bangladesh’s aim to retain the same memory this time, is the mission to retain that which was the first attempt to achieve the previous time. Increased responsibility. That’s the job of rnrn
Sanjeeda is looking to win cleanly once again. He expressed that hope on Facebook, ‘It is important that we do well to inspire the reform of the country and new awakening activities. We want to win it for the mission of retaining the trophy and to give the countrymen another reason to celebrate. And we will show that inshallah. Pray for us.’
Even though Sanjeeda hears the words of hope, the task is not easy. Both teams gave their best to reach the final stage. Both teams have reached the finals from undefeated. Bangladesh and Nepal drew in their first match in the group stage. After that, he showed strength the rest of the way. However, Nepal is ahead in one place. Bangladesh has conceded 4 goals so far. In three matches, Nepal has managed 1 out of 17 runs.
Although Bangladesh is ahead tactically and technically, there is no chance to throw Nepal away. Their team includes one of the best female footballers in Asia, Savitra Bhandari. Also in defense are footballers like Preeti Roy. Savitra can knock out the opponent alone on her day.
Meanwhile, there are footballers like Tahura in Bangladesh’s attack. Tahura scored five goals in the current season. The experienced Masura Parveen is handling the defence, accompanied by newcomer Afida Khandkar. All in all, it is going to be a crowded fight, there is no doubt about it.
The statistics between the two teams show that till now Bangladesh has won only one match after playing 12 matches with Nepal. That is in the final of the Saaf Championship. In contrast, there are 5 draws with 6 losses. Bangladesh has drawn in the last three matches. Today, it remains to be seen whether Sabina’s team will kiss their second title after getting out of the draw circle or Nepal will be happy for the first time.
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Interview: Celebrating Bangladesh’s Football Dreams
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Dr. Mohsin Ahmed, a renowned sports analyst and expert in women’s football. It’s great to have you with us today to discuss the incredible journey of Bangladesh’s women’s football team. There’s exciting news about the upcoming SAFF Championship final!
Dr. Mohsin Ahmed: Thank you for having me. It’s an exhilarating time for Bangladeshi football, especially the women’s team!
Editor: Absolutely! The last time we witnessed such a celebration was in 2022 when Sanjida Akhtar and Krishna Rani Sarkar led the team to victory. Can you tell us how significant that achievement was for women’s sports in Bangladesh?
Dr. Mohsin Ahmed: That victory was monumental. It wasn’t just a sports triumph; it was a cultural moment for Bangladesh. Celebrating in an open-top bus, surrounded by cheering fans, was unprecedented for our women’s team. It broke barriers and elevated women’s sports in a country where cricket has often overshadowed other sports.
Editor: The emotional resonance of that moment is indeed profound. Now, with the final against Nepal rapidly approaching, how do you assess the team’s current form and mindset compared to the last championship?
Dr. Mohsin Ahmed: They are in strong form, having reached the final undefeated just like in 2022. Sanjida’s reflections on social media show a mature understanding of their role. They are not just playing for a trophy; they’re inspiring a nation. The pressure is there, but so is the determination.
Editor: Speaking of determination, Sanjida wrote about the importance of winning not just for the trophy but also to inspire change in society. How do you see the relationship between women’s sports and social reform in Bangladesh?
Dr. Mohsin Ahmed: Sports can be a powerful vehicle for social change. Women’s football challenges stereotypes and promotes gender equality. The visibility of these athletes sending a message of empowerment influences young girls across the country. It shows them that they can achieve greatness in whatever field they choose.
Editor: That’s a valuable perspective. With the backdrop of the last final, what strategies do you think the team should employ against Nepal to secure victory?
Dr. Mohsin Ahmed: First and foremost, they need to maintain their defensive structure while being aggressive in attack. Utilizing the speed of their wingers, like Sabina Khatun, will be crucial. Additionally, keeping calm under pressure is vital—especially since the crowd will be electrifying.
Editor: Excellent insights! It’s thrilling to think of the potential for another open-top bus celebration. What advice would you give to the players ahead of the match?
Dr. Mohsin Ahmed: I would tell them to enjoy the moment. They’ve worked incredibly hard to get to this stage. Remembering the love and support from their fans will help ease the pressure. It’s a chance to create history once more!
Editor: as fans across Bangladesh prepare for the final, what is your message to them?
Dr. Mohsin Ahmed: I’d say to keep supporting the team passionately, as they did in 2022. Each cheer, each shout from the stands can motivate these players to perform at their best. Let’s come together to celebrate this incredible journey, win or lose!
Editor: Thank you for your time and insights, Dr. Mohsin. We’ll watch eagerly as the team aims to rewrite history once again.
Dr. Mohsin Ahmed: Thank you! Here’s hoping for another unforgettable celebration!