Bangladesh’s women’s football team is gearing up for a historic appearance at the Women’s Asian Cup, set to take place in Australia this March. For the first time, the team will compete on the tournament’s main stage, generating significant excitement among players and fans alike. Ahead of the competition, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) announced a 26-member squad on Monday, with the inclusion of Sweden-based midfielder Anika Rania Siddiqui emerging as the biggest surprise.
Anika’s selection had been widely speculated for some time. Before officially joining the team, she underwent trials in Dhaka, where her performance impressed the coaching staff and secured her a place in the national squad. Having developed under European conditions, her inclusion is expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s midfield, providing both technical skill and tactical discipline.
The squad also features standout performers from the domestic league and youth tournaments. Alpi Akter, who scored a remarkable 25 goals in the ongoing Women’s Football League and netted seven in the recent SAFF U-19 Championship, is among the attacking options.
Goalkeeping duties will be shared by Rupna Chakma, Swarna Rani Mandal, and Mili Akter. In defence, senior players such as Shiuli Azim and Shamsunnahar will marshal the backline, alongside team captain Afeeda Khandakar. Midfield coordination, now enhanced by Anika, will be led by Maria Manda, Monika Chakma, and Rituporna Chakma. Meanwhile, the primary attacking responsibilities lie with Tahura Khatun, Shamsunnahar Junior, and the emerging forward Sagrika.
Bangladesh has been drawn into Group B for the Asian Cup, alongside three of Asia’s football heavyweights: China, North Korea, and Uzbekistan. According to the tournament schedule, Bangladesh will open its campaign against China on 3 March, face North Korea on 6 March, and conclude the group stage against Uzbekistan on 9 March.
Bangladesh Women’s Asian Cup Squad
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Rupna Chakma, Mili Akter, Swarna Rani Mandal |
| Defenders | Afeeda Khandakar (Captain), Kohati Kisku, Nabiran Khatun, Shiuli Azim, Shamsunnahar Senior, Halima Khatun, Souravi Afrin |
| Midfielders | Swapna Rani, Munki Akter, Airin Khatun, Shaheda Akter, Rituporna Chakma, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Anika Rania Siddiqui, Unnati Khatun |
| Forwards | Umehlla Marma, Alpi Akter, Souravi Akand Preeti, Mosammat Sultana, Tahura Khatun, Mosammat Sagrika, Shamsunnahar Junior |
| Standby | Arpita Biswas, Sinha Jahan, Shanti Mardi, Tanima Biswas |
Bangladesh enters the tournament with a blend of youth, experience, and international exposure, aiming to make a strong impression on the continental stage. The addition of Anika Rania Siddiqui adds a new dimension to the squad, and all eyes will be on how she integrates with the team’s midfield. With talent spread across all positions, the team is determined to challenge the Asian powerhouses and inspire a new generation of women footballers in Bangladesh.