All eyes at Changlimithang Stadium were on Thimphu’s star-studded line-up, featuring Bhutan captain Pema Choden and Bangladesh internationals Maria Manda, Sanjida Akhter, and Shamsunnahar -- vital cogs of the SAFF Women’s Championship-winning squads of 2022 and 2024.

Bangladesh captain Sabina came on as substitute in the 86th minute

Bangladesh forward Sanjida Akhter made her debut in the Indian Women’s League for East Bengal FC in a match against Odisha FC on Tuesday. The 22-year-old became the first Bangladesh player to represent the club but couldn’t mark the occasion with a win as the match ended in a goalless draw. Photo: Facebook 

The chance to test one's mettle in foreign leagues had been an uncommon occurrence for Bangladeshi sportspersons, particularly women. Two female footballers, however, now have such an opportunity following a frustrating period which was preceded by exceptional success.

Bangladesh Football Federation on Saturday reimbursed money to the SAFF Women’s Champion team members, some of whom had lost dollars and valuables following their arrival from Kathmandu on Thursday.

Sanjida Akhter has been one of the poster girls of Bangladesh football since she began her journey with Bangladesh's Under-16 side in 2014. The 21-year-old forward, now studying economics at a private university but struggling to attend classes due to training sessions, became the centre of discussion after an emotional Facebook status ahead of the SAFF Women's Championship final won the nation's hearts. The Daily Star's Anisur Rahman talked to her regarding that status alongside different aspects of women's football. The excerpts are below:

Bangladesh women’s football team’s midfielder Sanjida Akhter has urged for the countrymen to pray for the team ahead of tomorrow’s SAFF Women’s Championship final against Nepal.