Bangladesh’s bid to finish as group winners at the Women’s SAFF Championship came to an end on Sunday as hosts India defeated them 3-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, claiming top spot in the group and setting up a semi-final against Bhutan. Bangladesh, who had beaten India in the group stage at each of the previous two SAFF Championships, will now face a considerably tougher semi-final assignment against Nepal on Wednesday.
Peter Butler’s side made two changes to the starting line-up from their previous match, with Afeida Khandaker dropping out of the eleven due to poor form and Umhela Marma making way to accommodate Monika Chakma. Needing a victory to claim top spot, Bangladesh began the match on the front foot, pressing high and playing with an attacking intent from the first whistle.
Forward Anika Rania Siddiqui, who had set a world record by scoring after just 12 seconds in the previous match, came agonisingly close to striking early again. In just the second minute she robbed India defender Shilky Devi of possession and found herself one on one with the goalkeeper, only to send her right-footed shot straight at Panthoi Chanu. It proved a costly miss.
The match was competitive and closely contested for long stretches, with both sides trading periods of dominance. Bangladesh had further efforts through Anika, whose long-range attempt in the 17th minute sailed wide, whilst India came close from a corner in the 27th minute when Piari Jaja’s header grazed the far post.
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute. A long ball from Shilky Devi from deep was poorly headed clear by Kohati Kisku, and the ball fell to the experienced Piari, who needed no second invitation, driving a powerful right-footed finish past goalkeeper Mili Akter.
Bangladesh struggled to find a way back into the contest after the interval. India’s Nirmala Devi fashioned another opening in the 52nd minute with a chipped ball from the right that Mili failed to deal with at the last moment. The game was put beyond doubt in the 77th minute when substitute Surma Jannat brought down Indian forward Malavika inside the box with a clumsy challenge, conceding a penalty that Linda Kom converted to double the lead. Malavika then added a third in stoppage time to complete a convincing victory for the hosts.
Bangladesh now turn their attention to Wednesday’s semi-final against Nepal, a repeat of the last two SAFF finals, which Bangladesh won on both occasions. The match is scheduled for 4:30pm Bangladesh time.
