Women’s SAFF Final: Bangladesh Champions Again with Goals from Monika and Rituparna
Bangladesh, South Asia’s Champion
As the final whistle blew, the Dasarath Stadium burst with jubilation as the Bangladeshi team celebrated their championship win. Bangladesh secured the South Asian title once again, defeating Nepal with a thrilling 2–1 victory. Monika Chakma scored first for Bangladesh, then Nepal’s Amisha Karki equalized. However, a brilliant late goal from Rituparna Chakma sealed the championship for Bangladesh.
Forward Shamsunnahar Junior Returns to the Starting Lineup Replacing Sagorika
Another memorable moment awaited Bangladesh football as Sabina Khatun’s team took to the field at 6:45 PM in Kathmandu’s Dasarath Stadium to defend their SAFF Women’s Championship title. Coach Peter Butler made just one expected change, bringing forward Shamsunnahar Junior back into the lineup in place of Sagorika. Shamsunnahar had missed the semi-final due to a minor injury, which had given Sagorika her opportunity.
Nepal, hosting the final, had lost all five previous SAFF Women’s Championship finals they played, including the last one in 2022 when Bangladesh defeated them 3-1. Determined, they aimed to break that streak and claim the title this time.
Bangladesh’s Starting XI
Rupna Chakma, Masura Parveen, Shiuli Azim, Afida Khandaker, Shamsunnahar Senior, Maria Manda, Monika Chakma, Sabina Khatun, Tohura Khatun, Rituparna Chakma, and Shamsunnahar Junior.
Crowd Surge at Dasarath Stadium
Local fans filled the stands at Dasarath Stadium in anticipation of a victory celebration. By an hour and a half before kickoff, the 15,000-seat stadium was nearly full, with fans chanting “Nepal” and waving flags, creating a festive atmosphere.
Early Opportunity
An error from Nepal’s goalkeeper in the second minute created a chance for Tohura, but her shot bounced off the post, narrowly missing an early goal for Bangladesh.
Match Starts
After the introductions and national anthems, the SAFF Women’s Championship final kicked off. Bangladesh started with an attacking 4–3–3 formation, aiming to pressure Nepal from the outset.
Bangladesh’s Attack, Nepal’s Counter-Attack
Bangladesh started aggressively, while Nepal relied on counter-attacks. Bangladesh aimed to control the game by strengthening their midfield, while Nepal tried to create chances through long passes.
Another Opportunity for Bangladesh
Bangladesh continued to threaten on the left wing, creating another chance in the ninth minute, though it didn’t result in a goal.
Bangladesh Saved by the Post
In the tenth minute, Nepal countered and Amisha Karki’s shot, resulting from a Bangladeshi error, hit the post. Bangladesh’s over-aggressiveness created gaps in their defense, which Nepal’s forwards tried to exploit.
Nepal’s First Yellow Card
Both teams fought to control the midfield, but mistakes and missed passes from both sides prevented clear advantages. Monika was fouled by Nepal’s Amrita Jaishi, who received a yellow card.
Long Shot Attempt by Bangladesh
In the 24th minute, Masura’s long-range shot didn’t challenge Nepal’s goalkeeper Anjila, keeping the score goalless.
Goal Search Continues for Bangladesh
As the first half approached its end, Bangladesh struggled to retain possession under Nepal’s pressing, disrupting their attack.
Goalless First Half
Despite efforts, both teams failed to score in the first half. Nepal’s defense remained solid, especially with effective pressing.
Intense Battle
The second half began with an intense exchange of attacks as both teams attempted to break each other’s defense.
Monika Scores, Bangladesh Leads
In the 52nd minute, Monika Chakma broke through Nepal’s defense with a brilliant attack, putting Bangladesh in the lead and brightening their hopes of retaining the title.
Nepal Equalizes
Shortly after Bangladesh’s goal, Nepal’s forward Amisha scored from an excellent through pass by Preeti Rai, leveling the score at 1–1.
Corner Opportunity for Bangladesh
In the 60th minute, Bangladesh created a chance from a corner, though Sabina Khatun’s team couldn’t capitalize.
Exciting Duel
After the two goals early in the second half, the intensity in the stands and on the field rose. Nepal missed a chance in the 66th minute.
Brilliant Save by Nepal’s Goalkeeper
In the 67th minute, Maria Manda took an impressive shot from outside the box, but Nepal’s goalkeeper Anjila made an excellent save. Bangladesh failed to create a scoring opportunity from the resulting corner.
Final 15-Minute Battle
As the game entered the last 15 minutes, both teams took a cautious approach to avoid conceding late goals. Nepal built a strong attack in the 76th minute but failed to score, and Bangladesh also missed an opportunity soon after.
Bangladesh 2–1 Nepal
In the 81st minute, Rituparna Chakma scored from a fantastic left-wing shot, beating Nepal’s goalkeeper to put Bangladesh ahead. This goal strengthened Bangladesh’s hope of defending their championship title.
Source: Prothom Alo
