Bangladesh's women's football team made history Wednesday, securing their second consecutive South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women's Championship title with a 2-1 victory over host nation Nepal at Kathmandu’s Dashrath Rangasala Stadium.
In a repeat of their 2022 triumph, Bangladesh once again defeated Nepal in the final, cementing their unbeaten streak in the seven-nation tournament.
After a tense, scoreless first half, Bangladesh’s Monika Chakma broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, seizing an opportunity from a crowded goalmouth to put Bangladesh ahead 1-0. Nepal quickly responded, with Amisha Karki equalizing in the 56th minute, thrilling the home crowd of around 20,000 fans. Karki’s precise shot, set up by a pass from Preeti Rai, slipped past two defenders and Bangladesh’s goalkeeper to level the score.
The decisive moment came in the 81st minute when Ritu Porna Chakma netted the winning goal for Bangladesh with a sharp-angled shot from the left wing. Her strike, which brushed the Nepalese goalkeeper's hand before finding the back of the net, secured Bangladesh’s 2-1 victory.
In addition to their championship win, Bangladesh earned several individual honors. Goalkeeper Rupna Chakma won the Best Goalkeeper award for the second consecutive time, while Ritu Porna Chakma was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Bhutan’s Deki Lhazom claimed the top scorer title with eight goals, and Bhutan was awarded the Fair Play Trophy.
Bangladesh dominated throughout the tournament, including a resounding 7-1 victory over Bhutan in the semifinals to maintain their perfect record. This echoed their 8-0 win over Bhutan in the 2022 SAFF Women’s Championship.
Bangladesh’s journey to the final was marked by a statement victory over five-time champions India in the group stage, defeating them 3-1. Shamsunnahar Jr. saved Bangladesh from an early exit, scoring a critical equalizer in added time (90+1) during a 1-1 draw with Pakistan.
Nepal, appearing in the SAFF Women’s final for the sixth time, defeated India in a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout in the semifinals but ultimately fell short of claiming their first title, settling for the runner-up position once again.
The victorious Bangladesh team is scheduled to return home on Thursday at 2:15 pm.
