Sports Desk:

Bangladesh retained the SAFF Women’s Championship title when they beat hosts Nepal 2-1 in a thrilling final at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

Midfielder Monika Chakma and forward Ritu Porna Chakma scored one goal apiece for Bangladesh, while forward Amisha Karki pulled one goal back for Nepal in between Bangladesh’s two goals.

Earlier, in the last edition’s final in 2022, Bangladesh also beat Nepal 3-1 at the same venue to secure their maiden title of the competition.

Bangladesh squandered an early scoring opportunity in the second minute of the match when forward Tohura Khatun’s effort hit the crossbar.

Nepal experienced a similar predicament, with midfielder Sabita Rana Magar’s attempt from the top of the box hitting the crossbar in the 11th minute.

After a cagey first-half, Monika gave Bangladesh the lead in the 52nd minute by poking the ball into the net past Nepal goalkeeper Anjila Subba after a pass from Tohura Khatun found its way through to her despite a small deflection off a Nepalese defender.

Amisha equalised four minutes later, threading the ball past Bangladesh keeper Rupna Chakma after the ball had somehow evaded two Bangladesh defenders.

However, Ritu Porna made sure there was no upset on the cards when she scored from a stunning lob from the left flank following a throw-in by defender ShamshunnaharSr nine minutes from the stipulated time.

Peter Butler’s charges stormed to the final following a crushing 7-1 win over Bhutan in the first semi-final while six-time finalists Nepal beat India 4-2 (1-1) on penalties.

Earlier in the group stage, Bangladesh started their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Pakistan before beating five-time winners India 3-1 to emerge as group champions.

On the other hand, Nepal played a goalless draw against Bhutan before crushing Maldives 11-0 and Sri Lanka 6-0 to become the four-team Group B champions.