Three changes as Afeida returns for Nepal semifinal

Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler made three changes to his starting eleven for today's SAFF Women's Championship semifinal against Nepal, with defender Afeida Khandokar returning to the side.

Afeida, who was surprisingly left out against India in the group-stage clash, replaced Surma Jannat in the heart of defence. It was the first time Afeida had been dropped from the starting line-up since making her international debut against Singapore in Dhaka. Surma came under scrutiny after conceding a penalty in Bangladesh's 3-0 defeat to India.

Afeida, the former captain, will join Kohati Kisku, Surovi Akter Arfin and Shamsunnahar Sr in a four-member backline as Bangladesh seek a place in the final against a Nepal side they defeated in the finals of the previous two editions.

Butler also made two other changes, bringing in forward Suravi Akanda Prity and midfielder Umehla Marma in place of Shamsunnahar Jr and Monika Chakma. Monika struggled to make an impact against India as she continues her return from injury.

Bangladesh are aiming to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to India and keep alive their hopes of winning a third consecutive SAFF Women's Championship title.

Bangladesh XI: Mile Akter, Kohati Kisku, Afeida Khandokar, Surovi Akter Arfin, Shamsunnahar Sr, Maria Manda, Umehla Marma, Momita Khatun, Ritu Porna Chakma, Anika Siddiqui and Sauravi Akanda Prity.