Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Substitute striker Mosammat Sagorika scored in injury time to send Bangladesh into the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship for the third consecutive edition.
In the first semifinal held in Goa on Wednesday, Bangladesh defeated Nepal 2-1.
The match looked set to head into a penalty shootout before Sagorika capitalised on a lapse in Nepal’s defence in the injury time of the second half. She tapped in from close range after Nepali defenders failed to clear right winger Samsunnahar Jr’s cross. Although the goal was officially given to Sagorika, the replay showed the ball ricocheted off Nepali midfielder Preeti Rai’s knee.
With the loss, six-time finalists Nepal bowed out in the semifinals for only the second time in eight editions. The last time Nepal failed to reach the final was in 2016.
Nepal took the lead in the 23rd minute. A corner from Deepa Shahi was misjudged by the Bangladesh goalkeeper, allowing Gita Rana to convert from just outside the six-yard box. Nepal nearly doubled their advantage in the 36th minute, but Preeti Rai’s powerful strike hit the crossbar after deflecting off the goalkeeper.
Bangladesh equalized in first-half injury time when Ritu Porna Chakma’s corner brushed through Nepali goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba’s fingers and sailed into the post.
In the 47th minute, Rekha Paudel beat the goalkeeper but saw her shot rebound off the post. Deepa Shahi also missed a crucial opportunity in the 90th minute.
As the match headed into a shootout, Nepal’s defence faltered under pressure. A cross from Tohura Khatun led to confusion in the box, and although Gita Rana attempted a clearance, the ball ricocheted off Preeti Rai’s knee and sailed into the post.
Bangladesh, who had also defeated Nepal in the finals of the previous two editions, will now face the winner of the second semifinal between India and Bhutan.
