Bangladesh march into final unbeaten

Bangladesh stormed into the final of the SAFF Women’s U-19 Championship with their third win on the trot, after handing a 4-0 defeat to hosts Nepal in their final group match at Pokhara Stadium in Nepal on Wednesday.

Defending champions Bangladesh will now play Saturday’s final against India, who also confirmed their final berth by finishing behind Bangladesh following a massive 8-0 win over Bhutan in their last group match.

Bangladesh came into their last match on the back of a morale-boosting 2-0 win over India and broke the deadlock in the third minute, with Protima Munda nodding in a header from Mamoni Chakma’s corner. Substitute Alpi Akter then doubled the margin with a free kick taken just outside the box in stoppage time of the first half.

After the resumption, Bangladesh maintained their dominance over hosts Nepal and widened the margin in the 66th minute as Alpi produced a fine strike, capitalising on a long ball from Shanti Mardi. Alpi completed her hattrick nine minutes from regulation time, taking advantage of a fumble by a Nepalese defender to complete the rout, as Bangladesh finished the group stage with three straight victories.