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).
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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.