Bangladesh women's team secures SAFF title with thrilling 2-1 victory over host team Nepal
Ritu Porna stunned the 15,000 fans at Dasharath Stadium in Nepal’s capital by scoring the winning goal in the 80th minute
The Bangladesh women's football team successfully defended their SAFF Championship title, defeating hosts Nepal 2-1 in a thrilling final at Kathmandu's Dasharath Rangasala Stadium on Wednesday.
Monika Chakma opened the scoring for Bangladesh in the 52nd minute, but Nepal quickly responded with an equalizer by Amisha just four minutes later. Ritu Porna Chakma sealed the victory with an 80th-minute goal, quieting the 15,000 spectators in Nepal’s capital as Bangladesh retained their title following their first SAFF win in 2022.
Head coach Peter Butler opted for a 4-3-3 formation, making one adjustment by reintroducing Shamsunnahar Jr., who had missed the semifinal due to injury, replacing Mosammat Sagorika.
The Bengal Tigresses began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Pakistan, then outperformed five-time champions India 3-1 to top their group. They proceeded to the finals after a resounding 7-1 semifinal win over Bhutan, setting up a rematch of the 2022 final, where they had previously defeated Nepal 3-1 for their maiden SAFF title.
Bangladesh Starting XI: Rupna Chakma (GK), Sabina Khatun (C), Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar, Afeida Khandaker, Masura Parvin, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Tohura Khatun, Ritu Porna Chakma, Shamsunnahar Jr.
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