The Bangladesh women’s futsal team delivered a stunning performance against India on Thursday, 15 January, at the Huamark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, as the SAFF Futsal Championship 2026 kicked off. While the men’s team had settled for a 4-4 draw against India the previous day, the women’s team dominated from start to finish, leaving their opponents with little chance.
Bangladesh emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, thanks largely to the inspirational display of captain Sabina Khatun, who scored twice to give her side a commanding lead. The hosts struggled to contain Bangladesh’s attacks, and the visitors’ defensive organisation, led by goalkeeper Jhilik, proved impenetrable.
The match began with Bangladesh asserting dominance. By the end of the first half, Sabina had already scored a brace, putting her team ahead 2-0. India attempted a comeback in the second half, creating several scoring opportunities. However, Jhilik made a series of crucial saves, denying the Indian forwards and maintaining Bangladesh’s advantage.
Bangladesh extended their lead when Sumaiya Matsusima capitalised on a swift counter-attack to make it 3-0. India managed to pull one goal back shortly after, but it was insufficient to turn the tide, and they eventually left the pitch defeated.
This victory is historically significant for Bangladesh, as it marks their return to international futsal after seven years. The last occasion the team competed on the Thai court was during the 2018 Asian Futsal qualifiers, making this win an important milestone in their international campaign.
A summary of the match statistics is presented below:
| Statistic | Bangladesh | India |
|---|---|---|
| First-half goals | 2 | 0 |
| Second-half goals | 1 | 1 |
| Total goals | 3 | 1 |
| Goal scorers | Sabina Khatun (2), Sumaiya Matsusima (1) | Unnamed (1) |
| Key goalkeeper saves | Jhilik | – |
With this convincing start, Bangladesh has set the tone for the tournament, demonstrating both attacking flair and defensive resilience. The team’s young players gained invaluable experience, and Sabina’s leadership continues to inspire confidence. Analysts expect the side to be a strong contender as the competition progresses, and fans eagerly await their next fixture.
