The Bangladesh women’s football team emerged victorious against Nepal with a 2-1 scoreline, claiming the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship title on Wednesday. 

The thrilling match took place at Dashrath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu, where Bangladesh displayed strong skill and resilience to secure the win.

Monika Chakma gave the visitors the lead in the 52nd minute but Bangladesh’s joy was short-lived as Amisha brought parity just four minutes later.

Ritu Porna Chakma then silenced the 15,000 fans in Nepal’s capital with the winner in the 80th minute that saw the Bengal Tigresses defend the crown after their maiden SAFF triumph in 2022.   

Bangladesh women’s team head coach Peter Butler deployed a 4-3-3 formation, making one change to the side, bringing in the fit again Shamsunnahar Jr in place of Mosammat Sagorika after the former missed the semi-final with injury.

The Bengal Tigresses had started their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Pakistan before outplaying five-time winners India 3-1 to emerge as group champions.

The women in red and green then thrashed Bhutan 7-1 in the semi-finals to set up a repeat of the 2022 final where they beat hosts Nepal 3-1 to clinch their maiden SAFF title.

Bangladesh starting XI: Rupna Chakma (GK), Sabina Khatun (C), Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar, Afeida Khandaker, Masura Parvin, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Tohura Khatun, Ritu Porna Chakma, Shamsunnahar Jr.

BDST: 2103 HRS, OCT 30, 2024
MSK