Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepal secured its spot in the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship final, defeating India 4-2 in a penalty shootout at Dasharath Stadium in the tension-filled semifinal that ended 1-1 in regulation time.
The match was marked by several controversial incidents and lengthy delays. Both sides had chances but they failed find the back of the net.
Nepal faced an early setback in the second half when it was reduced to 10 players after Rekha Paudel received her second yellow card for a disputed foul on an Indian player. The decision sparked protests from spectators, who threw water bottles onto the field, causing a delay of over 10 minutes.
India capitalized on their numerical advantage when Sangita Bosfore broke the deadlock with a brilliant long-range strike. However, the game’s most contentious moment came shortly after, when Nepal appeared to score through Priti Rai. While Indian players were celebrating near their bench, Sabitra quickly restarted play after referee blew the whistle and found Rai, who scored into an empty net. The referee initially awarded the but disallowed it later after consultation with the assistant referees. In protest, Nepali players refused to play.
After nearly an hour’s delay, play resumed, and Nepal soon got the equalizer. Sabitra expertly lobbed the ball over the advancing Indian goalkeeper after receiving a pass from Priti Rai.
In the penalty shootout, Sabitra Bhandari, Gita Rana, Sabita Rana Magar and Amisha Karki all successfully converted their penalties. For India, Manisha Kalyan and Purhshottam Shirvoikar found the net, while Captain Ashalata Devi’s attempt hit the post and Chanu Sorokhaibam’s effort was saved by Nepal’s substitute goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar.
Nepal will face Bangladesh in the final. Bangladesh earlier booked its sport in the final with a commanding 7-1 victory over Bhutan in the other semifinal.
