The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has officially announced the probables for the upcoming South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship 2024, scheduled to take place in Nepal from October 17 to 30. With high expectations and hopes to showcase an improved performance, the Pakistan Women’s National Team is set to kick off its training camp in Islamabad on October 1. This marks a pivotal moment for women’s football in Pakistan as the team prepares to compete against some of South Asia’s finest footballing nations.
Pakistan, placed in Group A, faces a challenging group-stage draw, where they will encounter two of their fiercest regional rivals—India and Bangladesh. The women in green will begin their campaign against arch-rivals India on October 17, a match bound to capture significant attention across both nations, as football continues to gain popularity in the region. The rivalry between Pakistan and India extends beyond politics and history, finding a new battleground on the football field, which always adds an intense level of excitement for fans and players alike. Pakistan’s second group-stage match will be against Bangladesh on October 20, a team that has risen in prominence in women’s football over recent years.
As the championship date draws nearer, the PFF’s emphasis is on rigorous preparation. The 24-member squad will engage in extensive training sessions under the watchful eye of head coach Adeel Rizki and his coaching staff. The players, who have been selected based on their recent performances in national tournaments and international friendlies, will undergo fitness drills, tactical briefings, and match simulations to ensure they are fully equipped for the high stakes of the tournament.
While the Pakistani women’s team is yet to make a major breakthrough in regional competitions, their gradual improvement has been noticeable. With increasing investment in women’s football, the PFF is optimistic that this tournament could mark a turning point for the sport in the country. The federation has been working tirelessly to provide better facilities and international exposure to these athletes, encouraging more participation and interest from young girls aspiring to play football at the national level.
One of the highlights of this year’s squad is the inclusion of several key players with international experience. Kayla Siddiqui, a versatile defender, and Maria Khan, the team’s captain and a dynamic midfielder, will be pivotal figures on the field. Both have played professionally abroad and bring invaluable expertise to the squad. Other notable names include Mishal Bhatti, who has been instrumental in Pakistan’s defense, and Nadia Khan, a forward known for her sharp finishing and speed. This mix of experienced players and emerging talent gives Pakistan a well-rounded squad capable of competing with the best in the region.
The training camp, which will last two weeks, is aimed at building cohesion and refining the team’s playing style ahead of their group-stage matches. The PFF has also arranged friendly matches during the camp to give the team match practice in a competitive environment. The coaching staff will focus on improving ball control, passing accuracy, and defensive solidity, areas where the team has struggled in previous tournaments.
The announced probables for the SAFF Women’s Championship include:
Goalkeepers:
- Nisha Ashraf
- Mafia Parveen
- Rumaysa Khan
Defenders:
- Kayla Siddiqui
- Mishal Bhatti
- Sarah Khan
- Nizalia Siddiqi
- Sophia Quershi
- Fatima Nasir
- Mehreen Khan
- Khadija Wali
Midfielders:
- Suha Hirani
- Maria Khan
- Sanah Mehdi
- Amina Hanif
- Rameen Fareed
- Kayanat Bhokari
Forwards:
- Nadia Khan
- Zahmena Malik
- Isra Khan
- Anmol Hira
- Anushay Usman
- Alia Sadiq
- Eman Mustafa
As the countdown to the SAFF Women’s Championship begins, fans across Pakistan are hoping for a strong showing from the national side. This championship will not only provide valuable experience for the players but also serve as a litmus test for the growth of women’s football in Pakistan. The PFF remains committed to empowering female athletes, and this tournament could be the stepping stone towards achieving greater success on the international stage.
