Bangladesh failed to break the Nepal jinx in the Saff Women’s Championship losing 1-0 in the second semifinal of this year’s edition at Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad yesterday.
Nepal repeated history by defeating Bangladesh, much like the first edition held in Cox’s Bazar four years ago. On that occasion Nepal had strolled past Bangladesh 3-0 in the coastal city but this time only a solitary goal separated the two sides. The win also set up a repeat final between holders India and Nepal with the former tasting a 3-0 success over the latter in the previous edition of the women’s regional football championship.
Nepal scored the all-important goal in the 56th minute with Sajana Rana scoring from the spot. Nepal made it to the last four as Group B winners after winning all their three group matches. They started off their campaign with a resounding 8-0 drubbing of Bhutan which was followed by a 2-1 win over hosts Pakistan and a 2-0 victory over Sri Lanka to round of their group campaign.
Bangladesh on the other hand beat Afghanistan 6-1, lost to India 5-1 and outplayed Maldives 3-1 in the group stages to make their way through to the last four stage. In the first semifinal of the day defending champions India outclassed Sri Lanka 5-0 at the same venue. The final will be played tomorrow.
