Bangladesh defends title by defeating Nepal 2-1

KATHMANDU: Bangladesh successfully defended its SAFF Women’s Championship title, defeating Nepal 2-1 in the final of the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship at the jam-packed Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

Ritu Parno Chakma curled in the winner from outside the box after the two sides were tied at 1-1 in the repeat of the 2022 final.

Bangladesh took the lead in the 52nd minute of the match as Monika Chakma scored from close range, taking advantage of a misunderstanding between the Nepali keeper and defender.

Nepal equalized four minutes later when Preeti Rai’s long pass found Amisha Karki, who scored past the advancing Bangladeshi keeper.

Bangladesh secured the winner in the 81st minute as Nepali keeper Anjila Tumbao Subba misjudged Ritu Parno Chakma’s curler following clumsy defending from the Nepali side.

The result means Nepal is still winless in the final of SAFF Women’s Championship despite making a record six appearances. It conceded a 1-3 defeat against Bangladesh at home in 2022.