ANISUR RAHMAN from Goa

Bangladesh’s preparations for today’s SAFF Women’s Championship semifinal against Nepal have been overshadowed by personal tragedy, as the team attempt to overcome the emotional impact of the death of defender Sheuli Azim’s mother.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 4:30pm (Bangladesh time) at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa. Hosts and favourites India will face Bhutan in the second semifinal later in the evening at the same venue.

The death of Bashona Azim, Sheuli’s mother, in the early hours of Tuesday left the Bangladesh camp devastated. The team cancelled its scheduled training session at the Bambolim Athletics Stadium as several players struggled to cope with the heartbreaking news.

Many members of the squad share close personal ties with Sheuli, particularly players from Mymensingh’s Dhobaura upazila, including captain Maria Manda, Shamsunnahar Jr, Shamsunnahar Sr and Tohura Khatun. Senior teammates such as Monika Chakma were also visibly affected, with several players breaking down in tears.

As a result, the coaching staff shifted their focus from tactical preparation to supporting the players emotionally ahead of one of their most important matches of the tournament. The cancellation of training meant Bangladesh were unable to work on the shortcomings exposed during their group-stage defeat to India.

Despite skipping on-field activities, the players completed other recovery and preparation routines, including ice baths, video analysis sessions and a one-hour walk along the beach in an effort to clear their minds and regain focus.

Head coach Peter Butler expressed his condolences to Sheuli and her family while urging his players to channel their emotions positively.

“We haven’t kicked a ball today, but I don’t think that puts us at a disadvantage,” Butler said in a video message. “It gives everybody a little bit of time to think about what’s happened and realise sometimes life can be short and cruel.”

The British coach believes the squad possesses the mental strength to respond positively in difficult circumstances.

“I said to the girls that the most important thing is to approach the match with a positive mindset and turn negative energy into positive energy,” Butler said. “That’s not easy, but I believe this group is capable of putting in a strong performance and getting the result we need.”

Bangladesh will take confidence from their recent record against Nepal, having defeated the six-time runners-up in the finals of the previous two editions. Now, with a place in another final at stake, the defending champions will hope to honour their teammate by producing a performance worthy of the occasion.