Too much interference, says Butler after chastening defeat

Peter Butler's Bangladesh team were given a reality check as they suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat to India in the final of the SAFF Under-19 Women’s Championship at the Pokhara Rangasala in Nepal on Sunday.

The five-time champions had gone into the final as overwhelming favourites, having won all three of their round-robin matches with an imposing 18-0 goal difference, including a 2-0 victory over the same opponents. However, in the title decider, Bangladesh were outplayed and punished for a series of defensive and goalkeeping lapses. The deadlock was broken in the 41st minute before the floodgates opened following the break, with the defending champions conceding three more goals.

India, coached by former Italy international Pamela Conti, neutralised Bangladesh’s midfield effectively and blocked passing lanes into the attacking third. As a result, the holders offered little penetration going forward and appeared to lack direction for much of the contest, with Butler visibly frustrated on the touchline.

Bangladesh have dominated women’s football in South Asia in recent years, and Butler had previously downplayed the importance of regional silverware, stressing that his main objective was identifying players for the upcoming Women’s Asian Cup and Women’s U-20 Asian Cup campaigns. However, this heavy defeat -- Bangladesh’s biggest loss in a SAFF age-level match -- could carry serious repercussions, especially with Bangladesh Football Federation women’s wing chairman Mahfuza Akter Kiron present at the venue.

When contacted after the match, the English coach declined to go into detail regarding the reasons behind the defeat, stating only that there was “too much interference,” before adding: “Very worrying, I’ve no control.”

Despite the disappointing end to the tournament, there was a silver lining for Bangladesh as striker Alpi Akter was named the competition’s best player and top scorer, having netted seven goals during the championship.