A win or draw against tournament favorites India would be enough for progression but a defeat would mean goals coming into play to decide Bangladesh’s semi-final fate.
Bangladesh began the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 campaign with an unexpected draw against Pakistan that made the road to the last-four tougher.
They always defeated Pakistan in the past.
This time, thanks to Shamsunnahar Jr's equalizing goal in stoppage-time, Bangladesh, the reigning champions, narrowly avoided losing all three points and making semi spot more vulnerable.
Pakistan's 5-2 loss to India in the tournament opener could prove to be quite handy for Bangladesh en route to the knockout stage.
These three teams are in Group A.
India currently sit top with three points while Bangladesh and Pakistan have one point each.
In the last group clash against India, Bangladesh require at least a point to finish second in the table and qualify for the semi-finals.
But if Sabina Khatun and Co lose the tie, they would end up with same number of point as Pakistan.
Then, goal difference between the teams shall decide who advance.
According to tournament regulations (20.2 B4), if the points are same, superior goal difference in all the group matches shall determine the rankings.
In that case, if Bangladesh lose 0-1 or 0-2 or any other margin equal or less than two-goal difference, they can still finish above Pakistan and reach the semi-finals.
But if Bangladesh lose by three-goal difference, the tournament regulations 20.2 B5 would come into effect which is “greater number of goals scored in all the group matches” to determine the standings.
In that case, Bangladesh must score at least three goals as Pakistan netted two against India in the first group fixture.
If Bangladesh lose 5-2 like Pakistan did, then the least number of minus points from yellow and red cards shall decide who rank highest, as per 20.2 B6.
If all of the above equations end all square, then, according to regulation 20.2 B7, the drawing of lots shall determine the second semi-finalist from the group.
Meanwhile, holders Bangladesh can progress as group winner if they beat five-time champions India Wednesday.
