Bangladesh are into the semifinals of the SAFF Women's Championship as the group winners. Bangladesh defeated India 3-0 in the final group A match to make it to the final four, finishing at the group's top.
Jahan Shopna scored twice while Srimoti Krishnarani Sarkar scored another to inflict India's first loss in SAFF Women's Championship history. This is also the first victory for Bangladesh against India in their footballing history.
Both of these teams have already made their places in the final four. Bangladesh needed a win today to qualify as the group winners for the semifinals. However, a draw would have been enough for India to top the group. But India couldn't salvage a point.
Bangladesh put the ball in the back of the net in the seventh minute but the goal was waved off after a foul on Indian goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan.
But just five minutes later, Bangladesh took the lead in the match and this time, it stood. A beautifully weighted through ball by Srimoti Krishnarani Sarkar was finished by MS Jahan Shopna past Indian goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan.
Bangladesh doubled the lead in the 22nd minute. The duo that combined in the first goal combined again. Shopna who scored the first goal, turned into a provider this time and Krishnarani Sarkar found the back of the net. The first half ended 2-0 in favor of Bangladesh.
India were further pushed down in the ditch as Jahan Shopna added another goal in the 53rd minute. Shopna finished off skipper Sabina Khatun's through ball to put clear daylight between the two sides.
India had a fair share of ball possession but could not do enough to trouble the Bangladesh goalkeeper Rupna Chakma.
Bangladesh will now face Bhutan in the first semifinal on Friday. India will face hosts Nepal in the second semifinal of the tournament later on the same day.
India have won every edition of the SAFF Women's Championship so far and look to make it six in six.
- Rajendra Tamang Resigns as Head Coach of Nepali Women’s National Team
- Bangladesh Defeats Nepal To Claim SAFF Women's Championship Title Again
- SAFF Women's Chamionship Final: Nepal's First Eleven Revealed
- Kathmandu Metro To LIVE Screen Matches In Three Venues
- Nepal and Bangladesh Clash for SAFF Women's Championship 2024 Title