Kathmandu, Oct 30 (V7N)- Bangladesh’s women’s football team successfully defended their SAFF Championship title, defeating hosts Nepal 2-1 in an electrifying final on Wednesday at the Dasharath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu.

The score remained 0-0 through an intense first half, with both teams narrowly missing out as shots hit the post. In the 52nd minute, Monika Chakma put Bangladesh ahead with a composed finish from a precise through pass by captain Sabina Khatun. Nepal responded swiftly as Amisha Karki equalized just four minutes later, slipping the ball past goalkeeper Rupna Chakma after dodging two Bangladesh defenders.

However, Ritu Porna Chakma silenced the packed stadium of 15,000 Nepali fans with the decisive goal in the 80th minute. Cutting in from the left flank, Ritu’s precise strike sparked celebrations among the Bangladeshi team, sealing their second straight SAFF title following their maiden win in 2022.

Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler adopted a 4-3-3 formation, bringing back Shamsunnahar Jr, who missed the semi-final due to injury, in place of Mosammat Sagorika.

The Bengal Tigresses began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Pakistan, later defeating five-time champions India 3-1 to top their group. They dominated Bhutan 7-1 in the semi-finals, setting up a rematch of the 2022 final against Nepal, where they triumphed 3-1 for their first-ever 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

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