Bangladesh's SAFF hat-trick dream shattered by 3-1 defeat to India
Defensive lapses prove costly to the defending champions
Bangladesh's hopes of winning a third consecutive SAFF Women's Championship title ended in disappointment after a 3-1 defeat to hosts India in the final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium today (6 June).
The champions of the last two editions were unable to replicate their dominance and fell short in a match where defensive errors proved costly once again.
India had taken the lead in the 42nd minute when forward Pyari Xaxa capitalised on a goalkeeping error, lifting the ball over an advancing Mile Akter from outside the box after deflecting a defender.
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Bangladesh responded just before the break through Rituporna Chakma, who scored a superb equaliser in stoppage time. The winger produced a composed finish to restore parity and briefly revive Bangladesh's hopes.
However, the second half belonged to the hosts, who regained control just minutes after the restart.
In the 49th minute, India capitalised from a corner when Sanfida Nongrum rose inside the box to head home. Bangladesh goalkeeper Mile Akter failed to deal with the situation as the ball went in off the post despite her attempt to save it.
Bangladesh pushed for another equaliser but struggled to create meaningful chances, with Rituporna largely isolated in the second half.
India sealed the victory in the 82nd minute after a defensive lapse. Defender Afieda Khandaker's clearance attempt ricocheted off an Indian forward, allowing another attacker to pounce and finish clinically, effectively ending Bangladesh's comeback hopes.
Despite their fighting spirit and a brief resurgence before the break, Bangladesh were unable to recover in the second half as India controlled proceedings to secure the title.
The defeat also exposed Bangladesh's defensive fragility and goalkeeping errors at crucial moments, which ultimately cost them the championship.
India had already beaten Bangladesh 3-0 in the group stage, and they carried that confidence into the final to complete a double over their South Asian rivals in the tournament.
