The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) announced a 23-member squad for the Bangladesh national women’s football team on Thursday ahead of their upcoming FIFA women’s international friendly match and an additional friendly against hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE).

However, the captain’s name has yet to be revealed. Notably, none of the 18 players who had revolted against coach Peter Butler with various allegations were included in the squad.

Eight players from the last SAFF Championship team have been called up, including Yarjan Begum, Mili Akter, Kohati Kisku, Afeida Khandaker, Swapna Rani, Irene Khatun, Shaheda Akter, and Munki Akter.

The BFF has not provided an official reason for the delay in announcing the captain. Afida Khandaker has prior experience as captain at the U-19 level and led Bangladesh to a joint SAFF Championship victory with India.

The women’s team will play their first FIFA-friendly match against the UAE on February 26 during the FIFA window, while the second match will take place on March 2 in the UAE.

Bangladesh Women’s Squad:

Goalkeepers: Mst Yarzan Begum, Mili Akter, Meghla Rani Roy
Defenders: Kohati Kisku, Mst Joynob Bibi Rita, Afeida Khandaker, Mst Surma Jannat, Mst Sultana, Arpita Biswas Arpita, Mariam Binta Hanna, Kanom Akter
Midfielders: Mst Halima Akter, Swapna Rani, Mst Munki Akter, Mst Bonna Khatun
Forwards: Irene Khatun, Mst Aklima Khatun, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Ayonto Bala Mahanto, Mst Oeyshi Khatun, Tonima Biswash, Sauravi Akanda Prity, Nabiran Khatun