Video analyst joins women’s team hours before their 2026 SAFF C’ship opener

Video analyst Mehedi Hasan Siddique joined Bangladesh women’s team in Goa on Thursday, just hours before the defending champions take on Maldives in their opening SAFF Women’s Championship match.

The Group B encounter is scheduled to kick off at 8:00pm (Bangladesh time), with private sports channel T Sports broadcasting the match live from Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, India.

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Bangladesh eye strong start

A video analyst is considered the tactical eye of a coaching staff, tasked with recording data, breaking down training footage and competitive matches to identify tactical trends, assess opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, and provide visual feedback for player development. However, the local game’s governing body assigned Mehedi for the ongoing SAFF tournament only, keeping him away from the team during the training camps in Thailand and India.

“I have been working remotely to analyse the opponents, especially Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal and India,” Mehedi told The Daily Star over phone before flying from Dhaka to Goa. 

“I analysed five matches of each of those four teams with the logistical support provided by BFF.”

He said delays in obtaining an Indian visa prevented him from joining the squad earlier.

“I have also remained in constant touch with head coach Peter Butler to meet his requirements. He also watched the India-Maldives match from the gallery,” said Mehedi, adding that he was fully prepared to share his analysis with Butler ahead of their game against Maldives, who lost 11-0 to India in their campaign opener.

Mehedi also believes Bangladesh are stronger than other major South Asian sides like Nepal and India, saying most regional opponents are predictable in their approach against two-time SAFF champions Bangladesh, who arrive with Asian Cup experience this time.

“If I am being honest, my humble opinion is that we [Bangladesh] are the best in South Asia without any doubt. Based on performance and data, I think our girls will do well because they are more dedicated, motivated and mature. They have also been playing international tournaments continuously for the last two years and know how to succeed in matches.”