Bangladesh stormed into the semifinal in style with a 3-1 victory over India in the ongoing SAFF Women’s Football Championship on Wednesday.
Held at the Dasharath Stadium, Kathmundu, the defending champions of the tournament scored all three goals in the first half, in fact all four goals of the match came in the opening 45 minutes when India scored one.
Reigning champions Bangladesh, started the match with needing one point to make their semifinal berth but the confident Women with Red and Green obtained three points to move into the last four in style defeating the top favourites India.
However, the promising Bangladesh after a bit initial struggle, bounced back strongly to take the control of the match and just put the opponents under tremendous pressure.
The vital encounter onset with India trying to dominate but Bangladesh few minutes to build up their progression and right after 10 minutes took the match control.
The confident Bangladesh fabricated series of attacks and opened the scoring on 19th minute, this time they (Bangladesh) earned a corner and Sabina Khatun took a pin point flank kick, Indian keeper Panthoi Channu failed to clear it perfectly as Afida Khondokar got the ball possession and brilliantly sent the ball into far post to take lead (1-0).
After taking the lead, the brilliance Bangladesh looked solid at the back and in full control of the match, they exposed by constant sharp attacks with Indian goalkeeper Panthoi Chanut making brilliant saves to deny some strong efforts from the forwards.
Bangladesh went closer to double their advantage, but a 25th minute close range shot from Rupna Chaka shattered the side post and two minutes later Maria Manda failed to touch a long ball being very closer to the post. But after another two minutes span, the defending champions broke the India’s resistance to extend the tally and Tahura Khatun made it 2-0. Tahura Khatun, who was waiting into the danger area found a long ball from Rupna Chaka and just pushed the ball into net beating two of her markers (2-0).
Tohura Khaun struck again on 43rd minute to slam home her second and the third for Bangladesh. This time Samsunnahar jr kept her cool to make back-pass for unmarked Tohura who blasted her right footer into the far pot (3-0).
Inida reduced one on 44th minute when Bangladesh keeper just failed to grip well a free kick and Bala Devi took the chance to head into near post (1-3).
In the second half, India dominated well and also went closer for several times and created chances but thanks to outstanding performance of Rupna Chakma under bar and stalwart performances from defenders, all their efforts tumbled down as Bangladesh left the ground with 3-1 win.
