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.