Sabina’s brace powers Bangladesh past India in SAFF Women’s Futsal opener

Bangladesh made a winning start to their SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship campaign, defeating arch-rivals India 3–1 on the back of a brace from captain Sabina Khatun.

The Group-stage match was played at the Nonthaburi Stadium in Thailand, where Bangladesh asserted control early and took a commanding two-goal lead in the first half.

Sabina opened the scoring in the eighth minute, finishing clinically from a Krishna Rani assist. The duo combined again shortly afterwards as Sabina struck from close range, with the Indian defence failing to clear the danger.

Bangladesh continued to dominate after going two goals up, with Nilufa Yasmin Nila missing a clear chance to extend the lead when her shot went wide. India tested the Bangladesh goalkeeper on at least two occasions in the first half but failed to find the net.

The pressure continued after the break, and Matsushima Sumaiya added Bangladesh’s third goal to put the match firmly beyond India’s reach. India pulled one back from a corner through Ariya More to reduce the deficit to 3–1, but were unable to mount a comeback.

Bangladesh will face Bhutan in their next group match on January 17.