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Published : 03 Jun 2026, 07:10 PM
Bangladesh booked a place in the SAFF Women’s Championship final in dramatic fashion, edging Nepal 2-1 in a tense semifinal in Goa.
The match was decided in the sixth minute of stoppage time at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday.
Substitute Sagorika broke into the box after a sharp move from Shamsunnahar Jr on the left, delivered square across the post, but Nepal midfielder Preeti Rai, attempting to clear under pressure, instead turned it into her own net.
The stadium erupted as Bangladesh completed a late turnaround.
The victory keeps Peter James Butler’s side on course to defend their title, having once again overcome Nepal at a crucial stage of the tournament.
Nepal had taken control early and led 1-0 in the 22nd minute when Gita Rana fired home from inside the Bangladesh box.
Bangladesh briefly threatened on the counter but lacked precision in the final ball.
The Nepalese attack continued to trouble Bangladesh, with Mile producing key saves, including a reflex stop in the 34th minute and a fingertip effort that struck the crossbar moments later.
Defensive instability and misplaced passing left Bangladesh struggling to settle.
The equaliser came in the 45th minute through Ritu Porna, who curled in a corner into the far corner of the net, restoring parity just before the break.
After the restart, Nepal again pressed forward, striking the post and forcing further saves from Mile.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, wasted several chances, including a clear opportunity for Shamsunnahar Jr in the 54th minute when she opted to shoot instead of passing to an unmarked Tohura Khatun.
Butler then brought on Sagorika to inject pace.
As the match edged towards penalties, Bangladesh pushed forward once more.
In stoppage time, Shamsunnahar Jr burst into the box, creating the decisive moment.
The win marks Bangladesh’s fourth appearance in the tournament final, while Nepal’s long wait for a maiden title continues after six final appearances without success.
