Bangladesh break Nepal hearts again with late winner

Margao: Bangladesh stayed on track for a hat-trick of titles in the SAFF Women’s Championship but needed an added-time own goal to pip Nepal 2-1 in the semifinals at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday.

Nepal have made it to five finals – without winning – and looked good enough to make it six after Gita Rana gave them the lead in the 23rd minute. Bangladesh equalised before half time through a spectacular Olimpico by Ritu Chakma.

Even as Nepal fans turned up in numbers and were behind their side in the second half, it all ended in heartbreak as Bangladesh struck in the third minute of added time. Substitute Mst Sagorika appeared to turn home the ball but it later emerged that the ball had bounced off Nepal midfielder Preeti Rai for an own goal.

It was heartbreaking for Nepal, who lost the last two finals against Bangladesh.

Nepal started on the front foot and took the defending champions by surprise. The higher-ranked side maintained ball possession, created space but lacked sharpness up front. The breakthrough came from a set piece when a corner by Dipa Shahi zoomed past the rival defence and found Gita, whose placement gave no chance to goalkeeper Mile Akter.

Nepal were unlucky not to have a second as Preeti’s long ranger got the better of the keeper, but the ball hit the horizontal bar and rebounded into play.

Bangladesh needed to get into rhythm and coach Peter Butler did not wait until half time to make changes. Five minutes before the break, the coach introduced midfielders Tohura Khatun and Shamsunnahar in hope of a fightback.

Bangladesh did not create anything from open play and needed something special. It came through individual brilliance after Ritu scored an Olimpico, a rare goal where a player scores directly from taking a corner without any other player getting a touch on the ball.

Nepal were determined to regain control in the second half but were denied by the post again. Mile misjudged a floater by Preeti and the ball fell at the feet of Pehka Poudel, whose effort hit the upright.

Nepal had more of the ball, couldn’t score, and in the end, had to pay a price.

Halfway through the six minutes of time added on, Ritu won the ball in midfield and played it on the right flank to Shamsunnahar, who set up Sagorika for the goal that sealed a place in Saturday’s final.