Bangladesh defeats Nepal to reach SAFF final for third consecutive time

Sports Desk

Bangladesh defeated Nepal 2-1 in the first semifinal of the ongoing SAFF Women’s Championship today at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa. Despite an unconvincing overall performance, the defending champions came from behind to secure victory and advance to the tournament final for the third consecutive time.

Nepal took the lead in the 23rd minute through Deepa Shahi. However, Bangladesh equalized in the 45th minute when Ritu Parna scored a brilliant direct goal from a corner kick, commonly known as an “Olympic goal.”

The winning goal came in stoppage time through Mosammat Sagorika.

As the match appeared headed toward extra time, substitute Sagorika found the net from a pass by fellow substitute Shamsunnahar Junior. Sagorika had entered the match in the 71st minute in place of Anika Rani. Shamsunnahar drove into the penalty area from the right flank and delivered a pass that Sagorika converted without hesitation.

In the final on June 6, Bangladesh will face the winner of today’s second semifinal between India and Bhutan.