Bangladesh girls beat Bhutan, set up final clash with India

Bangladesh strolled into their second straight comfortable victory in the Saff U-15 Women's Championship 2017 when they outplayed Bhutan 3-0 at Birsreshtha Shaheed Sepahi Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur, Dhaka on a gloomy Tuesday afternoon. In the process, the host confirmed their place in the grand finale, scheduled for Sunday. India later thumped Nepal 10-0 in the second game of the day at the same venue to set up a final date with Bangladesh. Nine goals and two consecutive wins mean the girls in red and green sit second in the four-team points table with six points. They will complete their round-robin league campaign with the third match against India Thursday.

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Also read: Bangladesh girls off to flying start, thrash Nepal 6-0

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The Bangladesh girls maintained their sheer dominance in the game right from the very kick-off till the final whistle, keeping the ball inside Bhutan's half for the majority of the time, stroking the ball around with fast and short passes. What denied them from scoring more was, perhaps, down to Bhutan's lack of interest in attacking as the tourist were more focused on defending. Scoring goals, creating chances with long and short passes and quick movements, Akhi Khatun was a vibrant presence throughout the tie. Less involvement in defence allowed her to move freely inside the opponent's half. Akhi put the home side ahead 12 minutes into the clock, capitalising on the advantage of her height. The tall defender was no match for her markers as she headed home a left-flag Marzia Akter corner from the top of the six-yard box. In the 28th minute, Monika Chakma tried her luck with a looping effort from outside the box, which went onto the roof of the net, missing the target by a whisker. The home side went close to scoring twice in the 37th minute when Anuching Marma rounded her body to take a shot that hit the sidepost after the Bhutan goalkeeper Karma Yuden punched away Marzia's attempt on the rebound for the a corner.

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Also read: India beat Bhutan in Saff U-15 Championship opener

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Akhi exhibited great skill once again to double the lead 10 minutes into the second half, hitting the top of the net with a brilliant left-footed low-volley, making best use of a Marzia corner from the right flag. Sajeda Khatun, who came off the bench replacing Tohura Khatun at the hour mark, extended the lead in the 80th minute with an angular placing shot from the left side of the box that hit the sidepost before crossing the goal-line. Meanwhile in the other match, India trounced Nepal 10-0 with Sunita Munda and Priyanga Devi Maorem each bagging a hat-trick. Kynda Kom Serto notched a brace while Pusparani Chanu and Santhiya scored one apiece.RESULTSBangladesh U15 3 (Akhi 12, 55, Sajeda 80) 0 Bhutan U15India U15 10 (Kynda 4, 31, Sunita 23, 62, 86, Santhiya 40, Priyanga 41, 52, 75, Chanu 69) 0 Nepal U15