Bangladesh claimed their second successive SAFF Women’s Championship title, defeating Nepal 2-1 in the final on Wednesday at the sold-out Dasharath Stadium. The victory saw Bangladesh retain their crown after a hard-fought match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The first half ended in a goalless stalemate, but the match came to life in the second half. Bangladesh took the lead in the 53rd minute through Monika Chamka’s well-taken strike. However, Nepal responded just two minutes later, with Amisha Karki slotting home the equalizer to restore hope for the home crowd.
The game seemed poised for penalties, but in the 81st minute, Ritu Porna Chakma stunned the stadium by scoring the winner for Bangladesh, silencing the supporters of Nepal and securing her team’s victory.
Ritu Porna Chakma was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament for her outstanding performances throughout the competition. Bangladesh goalkeeper Rupna Chakma earned the Best Goalkeeper award, while Bhutan’s Deki Lhazom was the tournament’s highest scorer, having netted nine goals. Bhutan also received the Fair Play Award for their exemplary conduct throughout the tournament.
In the closing ceremony, prizes were handed out by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh, Youth and Sports Minister Teju Lal Chaudhary, National Sports Council Member Secretary Tanka Lal Ghising, and ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang.
