Dhaka, Oct 27 (V7N)- Bangladesh's national women's team stormed into the SAFF Women's Championship 2024 final with a resounding 7-1 victory over Bhutan in the first semifinal, held at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Sunday.

Forward Tahura Khatun stole the show by scoring her first international hat-trick, while captain Sabina Khatun added two goals, maintaining the Bengal Tigresses' goal-scoring momentum and securing their spot in the final for the second consecutive year.

Bangladesh opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a powerful strike from Rituporna Chakma. By halftime, the team held a commanding 5-1 lead, with goals from Tahura, Sabina, and Chakma. Defender Masura Parvin capped off the victory with a late second-half goal.

Bangladesh will face either India or Nepal, who play the second semifinal, in the championship match on Wednesday as they aim to defend their title.

The team earlier drew 1-1 with Pakistan in their group opener and later defeated India 3-1, topping Group A to advance to the semifinals. Bangladesh previously reached the SAFF final in 2016 and won their maiden title in the 2022 edition, finishing the tournament undefeated.

Match Summary:
Bangladesh 7 (Tahura 15, 35, 58; Sabina 26, 37; Rituporna 7, Masura 72)
Bhutan 1 (Deki 41)

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