Sabina, Krishna put Bangladesh on top

Bangladesh returned to the top of the table in the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship with an emphatic 6–3 victory over Sri Lanka in Thailand on Wednesday, thanks to a brace each from captain Sabina Khatun and Krishna Rani Sarker.

The women in red and green raised their tally to 10 points from four matches, one more than India, who slipped to second position with nine points.

Although the margin of victory looked comprehensive, Saeid Khodarahmi’s charges endured a difficult first half, conceding a 2–0 lead within the opening 15 minutes. 

Below-par goalkeeping from Shopna Akter Jili proved costly, despite Bangladesh enjoying better ball possession.
Sabina and Krishna once again rescued Bangladesh with their scintillating skills and excellent understanding.

Sabina netted twice before the break, both goals coming from assists by Krishna.

Bangladesh dominated the second half, adding four more goals. Krishna struck twice, while Matsushima Sumaya and Masura Parveen scored one goal apiece to put the match beyond Sri Lanka’s reach.

Sri Lanka, however, managed a consolation goal in the final seconds through Imesha Kankanamlage, who had earlier scored her first goal of the match in the first half after Shanu Paskaran had given Sri Lanka the early lead.