Sports Desk – Nepal 1 : 2 Bangladesh. From Kathmandu to Goa, the story remains the same. Bangladesh’s women’s football team has once again marched into the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship. Peter Butler’s side is now just one step away from completing a historic hat-trick of SAFF titles.
Facing rivals Nepal yesterday at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Bangladesh initially fell behind and looked rattled by a disorganized start, but fought back in trademark resilient fashion to claim a thrilling 2-1 victory.
Bangladesh had famously defeated Nepal on their home soil in the finals of the last two editions. Coincidentally, the exact 2-1 scoreline from the 2024 final repeated itself in this high-octane semifinal clash in Goa.
Bangladesh coach Peter Butler shook up his starting lineup by making three tactical changes. Monica Chakma, Shamsunnahar Jr., and Surma Jannat were replaced by Afeida Khandaker, Umehla Marma, and Surovi Akand Preeti.
Additionally, veteran defender Sheuli Azim, who tragically lost her mother the previous day, was kept on the bench. The match started poorly for Bangladesh as their defense looked vulnerable, allowing a dominant Nepal to capitalize.
Nepal took a deserved lead in the 22nd minute when Bangladesh goalkeeper Mili Akhter failed to clear a corner convincingly, allowing Geeta Rani to slot the ball home via a deft chip amidst a goalmouth scramble.
Sensing trouble, Butler reacted quickly in the 38th minute by bringing on Shamsunnahar Jr. and Tohura Khatun for Umehla and Preeti. The tactical substitution instantly injected pace into Bangladesh’s gameplay.
Right before the break, in the 45th minute, Ritu Porna Chakma brought Bangladesh back on level terms with an absolute masterpiece.
Standing over a corner from the right wing, the forward curled a magnificent inswinger that completely eluded the jumping Nepali goalkeeper Anjila Subba and went directly into the net off the far post.
Bangladesh introduced Monica Chakma for Momita Khatun at the start of the second half but survived a massive scare early on. A goal-bound strike from Rekha Paudel beat an advanced Mili but struck the woodwork, keeping Bangladesh alive.
As the second half progressed, Bangladesh took complete control of the tempo, asking relentless questions of the Nepalese defense.
The defining golden moment finally arrived in the third minute of stoppage time (90+3′). Picking up a pass on the left wing, a clinical Shamsunnahar Jr. burst into the box with blistering pace.
Showing great composure, she drove a low cross into the face of the goal, which deflected off Nepalese defender Preeti Rai into her own net. The dramatic own-goal sealed the 2-1 victory, sparking wild celebrations.
Bangladesh will play the grand final on May 6 against the winners of the second semifinal between India and Bhutan.