Proving itself to be a heavyweight in the world of cricket, Bangladesh still has a long way to go in terms of football. But the women’s team have a different story to tell. Bangladesh U-18 women’s national team have been on a rise lately, with their most notable win coming against Nepal in the final of SAFF U-18 Women’s Championship 2018, winning the title in the process.
The SAFF U18 Women’s Championship was hosted by Bhutan, in its first ever edition, where the tournament saw seven countries compete. The Bangladeshi women’s team emerged as the favourites as they coasted through the group stages. They defeated their closest competitors, Nepal, in the group by 2 goals to 1. Later tearing Pakistan into shreds, the Bangladeshi Tigress’ put 17 past Pakistan without giving them any chance for a reply. Talisman Mosammat Sirat Jahan Shopna scored a whopping 7 goals against Pakistan. In the semi finals, Bangladesh came up against hosts, Bhutan.
The Tigress’ made light work of it, registering a comfortable win by scoring 4 and conceding none. With the final against Nepal, the Changlimithang Stadium was set for an absolute showdown. It was a tense, nail biting 90 minutes for all the 22 players on the field and their supporters back home. At the end of the thrilling 90 minute game, it were the women in red and green who had shed not only sweat but also tears of absolute joy, thanks to the 49th minute winning goal by Masura Parvin. It was an outpour of joy for the players and the ones who supported them through thick and thin.
This triumphant and glorious win serves as a symbol to Bangladesh’s rise in football. The Bangladesh Football Federation, BFF, has an ambitious vision set for 2020 all the way to 2028 for both the men’s and women’s football team and this young group of footballers are going to be very instrumental for Bangladesh’s success in the future, as they are slowly learning to deliver on the big stage. This group of dedicated youngsters would be capable of defeating any nation, once they are provided the right provisions by the football federation.
The Bangladeshi U18 women’s football team promises to be something even bigger in the future. With a long way to go and an ambitious target to reach, this team will make us Bengalis even more proud in the future.
Written by
Rafiul Azam of Class IX