The Bangladesh women`s football team successfully defended their SAFF Championship title, defeating hosts Nepal 2-1 in a thrilling final held on Wednesday at Dasharath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu.
Monika Chakma opened the scoring for Bangladesh in the 52nd minute, but Nepal quickly equalized just four minutes later through Amisha.
Ritu Porna Chakma then stunned the 15,000-strong crowd in the Nepalese capital with a decisive goal in the 80th minute, allowing the Bengal Tigresses to retain their crown after winning their first SAFF title in 2022.
Under head coach Peter Butler, the team employed a 4-3-3 formation, making one change by reintroducing Shamsunnahar Jr., who replaced the injured Mosammat Sagorika.
Bangladesh kicked off their tournament with a 1-1 draw against Pakistan but bounced back to defeat five-time champions India 3-1, finishing as group leaders. They then dominated Bhutan in the semi-finals, winning 7-1 to set up a rematch against Nepal, whom they had previously beaten 3-1 in the 2022 final.
Starting XI for Bangladesh: Rupna Chakma (GK), Sabina Khatun (C), Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar, Afeida Khandaker, Masura Parvin, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Tohura Khatun, Ritu Porna Chakma, Shamsunnahar Jr.
-20241219100909.jpg)
-20241219094817.jpg)
-20241217074542.jpg)
-20241223065754.jpg)
-20241223064225.jpeg)
-20241217065341.jpg)
