Fit-again Mili to start, Monika ruled out against Maldives

Bangladesh women’s team head coach Peter Butler confirmed on Wednesday that goalkeeper Mili Akter has recovered from injury and will start against Maldives in their opening match of the SAFF Women’s Championship on Thursday.

Mili had suffered an injury to her left palm during training in Dhaka before the team travelled to India, raising doubts over her availability.

However, Butler said the goalkeeper is now fully fit.

“Mili’s come back. She’s got a clean bill of health and she will start tomorrow,” Butler told reporters after training at the Don Bosco ground in Goa on Wednesday.

The Bangladesh Army goalkeeper impressed during Bangladesh’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign in Australia, and Butler has opted to keep faith in her ahead of experienced custodian Rupna Chakma, who featured in Bangladesh’s previous two SAFF title-winning campaigns.

During Wednesday’s session, which focused heavily on defending set-pieces, Mili looked comfortable under high balls and showed no visible discomfort while collecting crosses.

Bangladesh, however, will miss midfielder Monika Chakma due to an ankle injury, with newcomer Mst Momita likely to replace her and make her senior debut.

Defender Sheuli Azim also remains doubtful after suffering chest pain during the warm-up and missing the rest of training.

“Sheuli just had a little bit of chest pain, so we pulled her out of training as a precaution,” Butler said.

“Monika won’t participate tomorrow either. She’s got a slight knock, so we’ll save her.”

Surovi Akter Arfin is likely to slot into the backline should Sheuli fail to recover in time.