Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 reach SAFF final again
Bangladesh stormed into the final of the SAFF
Women's Championship after coming from behind to defeat Nepal by 2-1 goals in
the first semi-final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa today
(Wednesday).
It is the third consecutive time Bangladesh have reached the final of the
tournament, having won the championship in both 2022 and 2024. The girls in
red and green are now chasing a historic third straight SAFF title.
Bangladesh will face either India or Bhutan in the final on Friday (June 5).
Nepal started strongly and put Bangladesh under pressure from the opening
minutes. Their breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Deepa Shahi
delivered a corner kick that was converted to a goal by Gita Rana.
Bangladesh had chances to equalize soon after conceding but were unable to
capitalize due to poor finishing.
The Bangladesh defence survived another scare in the 36th minute when a long-
range effort from Preeti Rai struck the goalpost after a touch from
goalkeeper Mile Akter.
Bangladesh eventually found the equalizer in first-half stoppage time. Star
forward Rituparna Chakma scored directly utilizing a corner kick in the
45+1st minute, leaving the Nepal goalkeeper with no chance.
After the break, Bangladesh played with greater organization and attacking
intent, creating several opportunities but struggling to convert them.
The decisive moment arrived in the 90+3rd minute when substitute Sagarika
scored the winning goal, sending Bangladesh into the final and keeping alive
their dream of a hat-trick of SAFF titles.
Earlier, head coach Peter Butler made three changes to the starting lineup
from the previous match against India. Midfielder Afeida Khandakar returned
to the starting eleven, replacing Surma Jannat.
The coach also brought in forward Sauravi Akanda Prity and midfielder Umehla
Marma in place of Shamsunnahar and Monika Chakma.
Bangladesh began their title defence with an impressive 4-2 victory over
Maldives women's national football team.
However, the girls in red and green suffered a setback in their second group-
stage match, losing 3-0 to five-time champions India women's national
football team and finishing as runners-up in Group B.
Bangladesh XI: Mile Akter, Kohati Kisku, Afeida Khandakar, Shamsunnahar Sr,
Surovi Akter Arfin, Maria Manda, Umehla Marma, Momita Khatun, Ritu Porna
Chakma, Sauravi Akanda Prity and Anika Siddiqui.
