Bangladesh’s 26-member women’s football squad for the 21st AFC Women’s Asian Cup, set to take place in Australia from 1 to 21 March, features a notable inclusion: Anika Rania Siddiqui, a forward currently based in Sweden. At 20 years of age, Anika brings European football experience to the national side, having played for Brompojkarna’s Under-19 team and recently making her debut for the club’s senior team in the Swedish Cup.
Anika’s inclusion makes her the second overseas-born player to represent Bangladesh at a major tournament, following Matsushima Sumaiya, who was born in Japan. Her addition is seen as a significant boost for Bangladesh, combining technical skills honed in Europe with the team’s growing domestic talent.
Alongside Anika, two other newcomers—Alpi Akter and Souravi Afrin—have earned their first call-ups to the national squad. Returning players include Irin Khatun and Souravi Akand, both of whom bring valuable international experience. The team is coached by Peter Butler, who emphasised the importance of blending experience with fresh talent.
Bangladesh has been drawn into a challenging group alongside China, a nine-time champion; North Korea, three-time winners; and Uzbekistan.
Group C Match Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3 March | China | Current Asian champions; first match |
| 6 March | North Korea | Ranked 9th; three-time former winners |
| 9 March | Uzbekistan | Highest previous progress: group stage |
China is the most successful team in the history of the Women’s Asian Cup, winning 9 of 14 tournaments since 1986. North Korea, with 10 appearances since 1989, lifted the trophy in 2001, 2003, and 2008. Uzbekistan, despite five previous appearances, has never progressed beyond the group stage.
The 12-team tournament consists of three groups of four teams each. The top two teams from each group automatically qualify for the quarter-finals, while the two best third-placed teams also progress. Teams reaching the quarter-finals will secure opportunities to compete in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Bangladesh Women’s Asian Cup Squad
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Rupna Chakma, Mili Akter, Swarna Rani |
| Defenders | Afida Khandakar (captain), Kohati Kisku, Nabiran Khatun, Shiuli Azim, Shamsunnahar Senior, Halima Khatun, Souravi Afrin |
| Midfielders | Swapna Rani, Munki Akter, Irin Khatun, Shaheda Akter, Umhela Marma, Rituporna Chakma, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Anika Rania Siddiqui, Unnati Khatun |
| Forwards | Alpi Akter, Souravi Akand, Mosammat Sultana, Tahura Khatun, Mosammat Sagrika, Shamsunnahar Junior |
| Standby Players | Arpita Biswas, Sinha Jahan, Shanti Mardi, Tanima Biswas |
Coach Peter Butler expressed optimism: “Anika and the new faces, Alpi and Souravi, add fresh energy. Our objective is to progress from the group stage and compete strongly in the quarter-finals.”
This squad represents a historic blend of domestic talent and overseas experience, signalling Bangladesh’s ambition to make a mark on the Asian football stage.