Butler makes two changes for SAFF final against India

Head coach Peter Butler has made two changes to the Bangladesh’s starting XI for today’s SAFF Women’s Championship final against India, bringing in forwards Tohura Khatun and Shamsunnahar Jr.

The final between defending champions Bangladesh and five-time winners India  is scheduled to kick off at 7:00pm (Bangladesh time) at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, India.

Tohura replaced Umelah, while Shamsunnahar Jr replaced Sauravi Akter Prity.

Tohura is expected to lead the attack as a number nine, with Sweden-based forward Anika Rania Siddiqui likely dropping into an attacking midfield role. Shamsunnahar Jr and Ritu Porna are set to operate on the flanks.

Captain Maria Manda and Momita Khatun will anchor the midfield, ahead of an unchanged backline comprising Afeida Khandokar, Suravi Akter Arfin, Kohati Kisku and Shamsunnahar Sr.

Bangladesh, the defending champions, are one win away from completing a hattrick of SAFF titles. However, they face a stern challenge against India, who beat them 3-0 in the group stage and are aiming to reclaim the title they last won in 2019.