DHAKA, Oct 20, 2024 (BSS)- Bangladesh will start their SAFF Women's Championship campaign when they face Pakistan in their opening group A match scheduled for this (Sunday) afternoon at Dasharath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The match kicks off at 5:45 pm Bangladesh time.

Bangladesh will need a win against Pakistan to confirm their semifinal spot. Pakistan is currently in an awkward position in the group after losing to India by 2-5 in their opening match.

If Bangladesh able to beat Pakistan, then the will fight against India in their next match to decide the group champions.

On the other hand, it'll be do or die match for Pakistan to stay in the tournament race.

The Bangladesh team reached Nepal on October 15 last to take part in the SAFF Championship, and have got enough time to prepare themselves in Kathmandu. They also got some time to adjust to the local weather. The team with a mixture of youth and experience must be looking forward to defending the title.

Bangladesh team is boosted in return forward Krishnarani Sarkar from injury ahead of the first match against Pakistan.

Bangladesh will play their last group match against mighty India on October 23 at the same venue.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals to be held on October 27 while the final is slated for October 30.

All the matches will be held played at Dasharath Rangasala Stadium.

Bangladesh squad: Rupna Chakma, Mst Yeazman Begum, Mile Akter, Masura Parvin, Afeida Khandakar, Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar (Sr.) Nilifa Yasmin Nila, Kohati Kisku, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Sapna Rani, Munki Akter, Airin Akter, Sumaya Matsushima, Sanjida Akter, Ritu Porno Chakma, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Sabina Khatun, Tohura Khatun, Shamsunnahar (Jr.), Krishna Rani Sarkar and Mst Sagorika.