By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – Defending champions India faces its first defeat in the history of the SAFF Women’s Championship. India lost 3-0 to Bangladesh in the final group stage match in Dashrath Stadium at Kathmandu.
Bangladesh scored 2 before going into the break and came back to add one more. Bangladesh’s goal in the 7th minute was disallowed by the match referee Om Choki as the Bangladeshi forward commenced foul on Indian Goal Keeper Aditi Chauhan while controlling the cross delivered from the flank.
Sirat Jahan Shopna scored first in the one-sided match. She dribbled past two defenders and netted in the 12th minute.
Bangladesh doubled its lead in the 22nd minute of the match. Srimoti Krishnarani Sarkar came up with a calm finish beating two defenders and a goalkeeper.
Shopna scored a brace in the 53rd minute following the through pass from Skipper Sabina Khatun. Shopna was subbed off in the 64th minute. She replaced Ritu Porna Chakma who also created trouble for the Indian defense.
Two-goal scorer Sirat Jahan Shopna was adjudged the Player of The Match. The semifinals of the championship will be held on September 16. Bangladesh will take on Bhutan at 1 PM whereas hosts Nepal will face its favorite rival India at 5:30 PM in the Dashrath Stadium.
