Bangladesh booked their place in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship for the third consecutive time after securing a memorable 2-1 victory over hosts Nepal in a thrilling semifinal encounter.
Peter Butler’s side overcame an early setback and produced a spirited comeback, with goals from Rituparna Chakma and Sagarika keeping Bangladesh on course for another regional title.
Nepal began the match brightly and put Bangladesh under sustained pressure in the opening stages. Their attacking intent paid off in the 23rd minute when Geeta Rani capitalized on a corner-kick opportunity to give the hosts a deserved lead.
Bangladesh responded positively and pushed forward in search of an equalizer, creating several promising chances but failing to convert them. Just when Nepal appeared set to take their advantage into halftime, Rituparna Chakma produced a moment of brilliance. Her spectacular strike directly from a corner kick found the back of the net, bringing Bangladesh level at 1-1 on the stroke of halftime.
The second half unfolded at a frenetic pace, with both sides creating opportunities in an end-to-end contest. Nepal threatened on several occasions, but Bangladesh’s defense, marshalled effectively in front of goalkeeper Mili Akter, stood firm under pressure.
At the other end, Sagarika came close to putting Bangladesh ahead, only to be denied by an excellent save from the Nepalese goalkeeper.
As the match appeared destined for extra time, Bangladesh delivered the decisive blow deep into stoppage time. In the fourth minute of added time, Shamsunnahar Junior threaded a perfectly weighted pass into the box, and Sagarika calmly slotted the ball home to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory.
The win sends Bangladesh into the SAFF Women’s Championship final for a third successive edition and keeps alive their hopes of lifting a third regional crown. The defending champions had defeated Nepal in the finals of the previous two tournaments, and they now move one step closer to extending their dominance in South Asian women’s football.
Source: SAFF Women’s Championship Semifinal Match Report.