Striker Sabina Khatun scored a brace in Bangladesh’s 3-1 triumph over Maldives as the Red and Greens swept into the semifinals of the 3rd Saff Women’s Championship at the Jinnah Football Stadium in Islamabad, Pakistan yesterday.
Being the runners-up of Group A, Bangladesh will now face Group B champions Nepal in the second semifinal tomorrow at the same venue, an opponent whom they have faced at the same stage in the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2010. Four years ago in Cox’s Bazar, hosts Bangladesh were humbled by Nepal 3-0.
Sabina netted twice in the 35th and 87th minute after Maynu Marma opened scoring in the 18th minute. Aishath Sama scored the consolation for Maldives in the 84th minute.
Maldives head coach Rionaok was full of praise of Bangladesh after the game and said, “They played wonderful and dominated us in full match. They deserve to win and to play in the semifinals.”