In the long gap between two triumphs, one thing echoes consistently: the cry for long-term planning, and the lingering question of whether we can truly capitalise on success and momentum.

"There are many invisible things that affect performance, which we don’t often talk about."

Bangladesh women’s team take on Bhutan today at 3pm at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in their third SAFF U-20 Championship clash.

This episode of The Daily Star podcast "Pitch Perfect" seeks answers to these pressing questions.

Fresh off their historic qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, many of the Bangladesh women’s footballers have had little time to bask in glory.

Players have spoken publicly about the need for proper nutrition, functioning gyms, better training grounds, and a stable domestic league.

After Bangladesh’s historic qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, national team captain Afeida Khandokar has urged for improved facilities, including proper nutrition and training grounds, to prepare for bigger targets, including Olympics qualification.

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has announced a prize of Tk 50 lakh for the Bangladesh national women's football team in recognition of their historic qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

Captain Afeida Khandakar, her voice steady with emotion, said: “This is a moment we will never forget."

After topping their group and securing a spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the very first time, the Bangladesh women’s football team is set to return to the country at midnight today and the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has made the bizarre decision of hosting a felicitation programme for the team at 2:30 in the night.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:30pm (Bangladesh time) at the Thuwunna Stadium on Wednesday.

The trial ended with two matches of one-hour duration each – one for the under-19 level and the other for the under-23 level -- as the game’s local governing body looks for talented Bangladeshi-origin footballers from across the world to strengthen its pipeline.

Two hour-long matches featuring under-19 and under-23 players brought the curtains down on a three-day trial on Monday at the National Stadium in Dhaka, where 49 young cricketers from 14 countries showcased their skills, all chasing the dream of donning Bangladesh colours on the international stage. Photos: Firoz Ahmed 

The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) will soon invite applications for eight key technical positions, president Tabith Awal confirmed to The Daily Star, refuting media reports that former national team coach Lodewijk de Kruif has been chosen to helm the federation’s technical director’s post.

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) president Tabith Awal faced the media yesterday in an extended press conference that lasted over two hours at a convention hall in the capital -- his most elaborate interaction since taking charge last October..While the agenda officially revolved aroun

The instructions were shared through a press release from BFF’s media department yesterday. According to the notice, although the match kicks off at 7 pm, stadium gates will open for spectators at 2 pm.

That’s a question only time will answer. But there are other pressing questions we can’t ignore.

The Bangladesh Football Ultras, a passionate supporters group of the national football team, continued their sit-in protest for the second consecutive day in front of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) headquarters, demanding tickets for the upcoming Asian Cup Qualifier against Singapore on June 10.

The Bangladesh national football team is set to begin preparations from Saturday for two upcoming international fixtures, with 26 players joining camp at the Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka.

Last season, clubs could register six foreign players, of whom four were eligible to play. This time, though, each club can sign five foreign players, but only three can feature in any given match.