Defending champions Bangladesh secured a dominant 3-1 victory over five-time champions India in their final Group A match of the 2024 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women`s Championship at Dashrath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu on Wednesday, earning their place in the semifinals.
This win marked Bangladesh`s second consecutive triumph over India in the SAFF Women`s Championship, following their 3-0 victory in the 2022 edition, also in Kathmandu.
Bangladesh, undefeated in Group A, will now face the runners-up of Group B in the first semifinal on October 27. Despite the 3-1 loss, India advanced to the semifinals as Group A runners-up, thanks to their 5-2 win against arch-rivals Pakistan in the tournament opener. India will meet the Group B champions in the other semifinal, also on October 27. The final is scheduled for October 30.
Bangladesh dominated the first half against India, taking a 3-1 lead. Forward Tohura Khatun was the star of the match, scoring twice, while defender Afeida Khandoker added a goal for the defending champions. India`s captain, Bala Devi, netted a consolation goal for her team.
Bangladesh took the lead in the 18th minute when Afeida Khandoker scored with a well-placed shot over the Indian goalkeeper, capitalizing on a corner kick (1-0). Tohura Khatun doubled the lead in the 29th minute, tapping in from close range after a precise cross from Ritu Porna Chakma (2-0). Tohura then added her second goal in the 42nd minute with a powerful shot from outside the box, again assisted by Ritu Porna (3-0). For her outstanding performance, Tohura was named Player of the Match.
India`s frustration was evident after trailing 0-3, but captain Bala Devi managed to score a face-saving goal in the 44th minute with a header from close range, following a cross from Manisha (3-1).
Bangladesh`s defense, led by goalkeeper Rupna Chakma, held firm, as Chakma made several key saves to deny India`s attempts at a comeback.
The victory was met with praise from football fans, as Bangladesh continues its quest to defend their SAFF title.
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