Bangladesh ended the first half level against India in the SAFF Women’s Championship final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, after Ritu Porna Chakma cancelled out Pyari Xaxa’s opener with a composed finish in first-half stoppage time.
Bangladesh began the final with clear defensive intent, sitting compact and prioritising their shape over possession in the opening exchanges. India had the first sight of goal as early as the fourth minute, when Sanfida Nongrum fired over from distance, and Afeida Khandaker was booked shortly after for a foul on Aveka Singh.
Bangladesh created the first genuine chance of the match in the 12th minute, when Ritu Porna played in Shamsunnahar Junior from the left, but she could not get a touch on the ball with the goal at her mercy. Two minutes later, Tahura Khatun found herself one on one with the Indian goalkeeper, only for Juli Kishan to recover and block her shot at the last moment.
India then fashioned the best chance of the half. Astam Oraon had the goal at her mercy after the Bangladesh defence failed to deal with a ball over the top, but her shot flew wide. Goalkeeper Mili Akter also made a smart save to deny Manisha Kalyan in the 38th minute, though she could not hold the ball cleanly.
India broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute through Pyari Xaxa. Suravi Arafin rushed out to block but the ball deflected off her and looped over an advancing Mili Akter into the net. It was the first goal India had conceded in the entire tournament, having kept clean sheets against Maldives, Bangladesh and Bhutan in their previous three matches.
Bangladesh responded almost immediately. Anika Rania fed Tahura, whose perfectly weighted pass released Ritu Porna down the left channel. She drove into the box and finished low across the goalkeeper into the far corner. The equaliser came in first-half stoppage time, and the referee blew for the interval moments later.
Coach Peter Butler made two changes from the semifinal victory over Nepal, bringing in Shamsunnahar Junior and Tahura Khatun in place of Souravi Akanda Priti and Umehla Marma. Afeida Khandaker, who did not feature in the group stage defeat to India, was also recalled to strengthen the defensive structure.
