Bangladesh draw 1-1 with Bhutan in SAFF U-17 Women's Championship, fall behind in title race

Bangladesh played out a 1-1 draw against Bhutan today in the SAFF U-17 Women's Championship, a result that has significantly dented their chances of winning the title. In another match of the tournament today, if India beat Nepal, they will be crowned champions. However, if India lose or draw against Nepal, Bangladesh will still have a chance at the title.

In the four-team league-based tournament, each team plays six matches. The Bangladesh U-17 team have so far collected 10 points from five matches. India, on the other hand, have already secured 12 points from just four matches. If they claim all three points against Nepal, India will become uncatchable and clinch the championship with a match to spare.

Among age-level and senior teams, the U-17 SAFF title remains the only one Bangladesh have yet to win. To keep that dream alive, a victory against Bhutan was crucial. Bangladesh took an early lead in the 6th minute at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu. From midfield, Purnima Marma launched an attack and fired a long-range shot from outside the box that found the back of the net.

However, just before half-time, a defensive lapse allowed Bhutan to equalise. In the second minute of added time in the first half, the hosts capitalised on Bangladesh's high defensive line. Bhutan's Chorten Zangmo beat Bangladesh goalkeeper Meghla Rani with a solo effort after latching onto a long pass from a teammate.

After the scoreline was levelled at 1-1, Bangladesh kept pushing forward in search of a winner. They created several chances in front of goal but failed to convert any. Sauravi Akand, who had scored a hat-trick in the previous match, remained active in Bhutan's half but was unable to find the target this time.