Bangladesh defeats India 3-1; both advance to semis

KATHMANDU: India finished as runner-up of Group ‘A’ losing 1-3 to Bangladesh in its final group stage match of the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

India, which had already booked its spot in the semifinal, was beaten comprehensively by the defending champions who had struggled in their 1-1 draw against Pakistan. Bangladesh progressed to the semifinal as the group leader.

Afeida Khandaker opened the scoring for Bangladesh in the 18th minute of the match. Tohura Khatun scored twice in the space of 13 minutes in the first half to take the contest beyond India’s rich. India reduced the margin with a deft header from Dalima Chhibber cross late in the first half.

Two Group ‘B’ matches to be played on Thursday will determine which teams India and Bangladesh will meet in the semifinal. Nepal, which tops Group ‘B’ is scheduled to meet Sri Lanka, while Bhutan will take on the Maldives.