Butler hints at near-final Bangladesh XI but refuses to reveal SAFF India final lineup

Selection tweaks across all departments continue as Bangladesh refine their approach on the eve of the SAFF women’s title match

Bangladesh Head Coach Peter James Butler has made frequent changes across his starting XI through the group stage and semi-finals of the SAFF Women’s Championship, reshaping both attack and defence in search of balance ahead of the final.

With Ritu Porna Chakma and Shamsunnahar Jr on the wings and Anika Rania Siddiqui leading the attack, Butler has also rotated heavily in midfield and defence.

Asked whether he finally found his ideal combination ahead of the final against India, the coach sidestepped the question, keeping tactical details guarded.

The final will kick off at 7:30pm Bangladesh time at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.

Butler is understood to have nearly settled on his XI following the team’s final training session at Bambolim Athletic Club.

In the semi-final against Nepal, he made three changes from the India match, bringing in Afeida Khandaker, Umehla Marma and Suravi Akanda Prity in place of Monika Chakma, Shamsunnahar Jr and Surma Jannat.

Senior defender Sheuli Azim, who had recently lost her mother, was also left out of the starting line-up.

Team sources suggest Shiuli, a two-time SAFF winner, could return for the final, while Monika’s availability remains uncertain despite returning to training after injury.

Butler said the plan was to prepare for the semi-final stage and introduce a rotated side at that point.

“You saw I played some players who only got 30 minutes, but there was a reason behind it. I am not afraid to change players quickly.”

He added that impact off the bench could be decisive: “I need players who can come on and change the game quickly.”

Reflecting on the squad depth, he said: “Shamsunnahar and Tohura (Khatun) can do that. Umehla is learning, she is still young. We have many young players. Suravi is only 18 and playing very well.”

He stressed discipline ahead of the final: “We are moving forward but not getting carried away. Football can bring you down very quickly. We must stay humble, keep our feet on the ground and work hard for each other.”