DHAKA, June 5, 2026 (BSS) - Defending champions Bangladesh are just one step away from making history as they prepare to face hosts India in the final of the SAFF Women's Championship.

The match will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday. The final marks the first time since 2016 that Bangladesh and India will contest the SAFF Women's Championship title in a championship match.

Bangladesh entered the tournament aiming to secure a historic third consecutive SAFF title after winning the championships in 2022 and 2024. Although they have reached the final once again, their campaign has included a setback-a 3-0 defeat to India during the group stage.

Bangladesh captain Maria Manda was found confident ahead of the final match.

At the pre-final press conference, Bangladesh captain Maria Manda expressed confidence in her team's ability to compete strongly against India.

"We have reached the final and got the opportunity. Now we want to make the best use of it. As for pressure, we are not putting ourselves under too much pressure because we have played against India before and know them well. Our goal is to compete strongly against them and give our best on the field," she said.

Maria acknowledged India's strength but stressed that Bangladesh are determined to rise to the challenge on Indian soil, just as they successfully handled difficult situations during their title-winning campaigns in Nepal in 2022 and 2024.

"Mentally, we are preparing ourselves for every possible situation because we know we have to deal with whatever comes our way. Since we have earned this opportunity, we will try to give our best on the field. We are not paying attention to anything beyond the match itself. Our entire focus is on the game and performing to the best of our abilities," she added.

Meanwhile India remained the most successful team in the history of the competition. Under head coach Crispin Chettri, the hosts have been in excellent form, remaining unbeaten in the tournament and scoring 14 goals in the group phase.

India secured their place in the final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bhutan women's national football team in the semi-finals and are now targeting a record-extending sixth SAFF Women's Championship title.

The final is expected to be a fierce contest between two of South Asia's strongest women's football teams, with Bangladesh chasing history and India looking to reclaim the regional crown.

After winning five consecutive SAFF Women's Championship titles, India failed to reach the final in the previous two editions, both of which were won by Bangladesh after victories over Nepal women's national football team in the finals of 2022 and 2024.

Bangladesh squad: Rupna Chakma, Mile Akter, Swarna Rani Mandal, Halima Akter, Sheuli Azim, Afeida Khandakar , Surma Jannat, Kohati Kisku, Surovi Akter, Shamsunnahar (Sr.), Unnoti Khatun, Arpita Biswas, Momita Khatun, Maria Manda, Monika Chakma, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Ritu Porna Chakma, Umehla Marma, Sagarika, Tohura Khatun, Anika Rania Siddique, Sauravi Akanda Prity and Shamsunnahar (Jr.).