The Bangladesh women’s football team proudly retained their SAFF Women’s Championship title, securing a 2-1 victory over host Nepal in an intense final at the Dasharath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu on Wednesday. This marks Bangladesh’s second SAFF title, following their historic maiden win against Nepal with a 3-1 score in 2022 at the same venue.
The thrilling encounter saw all three goals scored in the second half, with Monika Chakma and Ritu Porna Chakma netting one goal each for Bangladesh, while Nepal’s Amisha Karki scored their only goal.
Nepal came close to an early lead when Sabitra Bandhari set up Karki in the 10th minute, but her shot hit the crossbar. Karki missed another opportunity in the 28th minute, failing to connect with a pass inside the box, leaving Bangladesh goalkeeper Rupna Chakma relieved.
The first half ended goalless despite several scoring chances on both sides. Bangladesh looked more organized in the second half, with Monika Chakma breaking the deadlock in the 52nd minute after a combined attack with Sabina. However, Nepal quickly equalized in the 56th minute when Karki scored from a long pass by Preeti Rai.
Bangladesh regained control in the 81st minute when Ritu Porna Chakma delivered a stunning left-footed shot from the left, sealing the victory. Her impressive performance earned her the title of Player of the Match.
Nepal made a strong effort to rally in the final minutes but couldn’t convert, finishing as runners-up for the sixth time in the tournament.
Bangladesh Starting XI: Rupna Chakma, Sabina Khatun, Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar Sr., Afeida Khandaker, Monika Chakma, Tohura Khatun, Ritu Porna Chakma, Shamsunnahar Jr., Masura Parvin, Maria Manda.
