Nepal will face Bangladesh in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship for the second consecutive year after a dramatic semi-final against India that ended in a 1-1 draw, with Nepal triumphing 4-2 in the penalty shootout.

The match, held at Dasharath Stadium, began with India taking the lead through Sangita Basfour's goal. Despite the setback, Nepal showed remarkable resilience. However, the game took a crucial turn when Rekha Paudel received a double yellow card, leaving Nepal with just ten players.

Amidst the mounting pressure, Nepal had a goal disallowed shortly after India’s opener, sparking frustration among players and fans alike. Priti Rai later found the back of the net during a moment of confusion in the Indian defense, but the referee ruled it out, leaving the score tied at 0-1 at halftime.

In the second half, Nepal continued to push for an equalizer, and their efforts paid off when they scored a legitimate goal, leveling the match at 1-1. With both teams unable to find a winner in regular time, the match proceeded to penalties.

In the shootout, Nepal displayed incredible composure, converting four penalties while Indian players faltered. A crucial save from Nepal’s goalkeeper, Anjana Rana Magar, and a shot that hit the post sealed India’s fate.

Now, Nepal gears up to face Bangladesh, who secured their final berth with a resounding 7-1 victory over Bhutan in the first semi-final. The title match is set for Wednesday, promising another thrilling encounter between the two regional powerhouses.