The flag of Bangladesh flew again at the foot of the Himalayas. Once again the girls of Bangladesh wore the crown of excellence of the SAFF Championship. Keep the title intact. Again losing that Nepal.
Bangladesh won the ‘Women’s SAFF Championship-2024’ by defeating Nepal 2-1 in the final held at the Dasaratha Rangshala Stadium in Kathmandu on Wednesday night (October 30). Monika Chakma scored a goal in such a victory. Forward Rituparna Chakma scored the other goal.
Earlier, in 2022, Sabina-Tahurara defeated Nepal 3-1 to become champions for the first time. This time they got another title of excellence in South Asia.
The first half of the match ended goalless. However, Bangladesh took the lead soon after the break (52 minutes). At this time, the red-green jersey holders attacked. Bangladesh captain Sabina Khatun got the ball in front of Nepal’s D box. He extended Tahura Khatun in front. Tahura increased the ball inside the D box. Monica ran and somehow put her right foot on it and sent it to the net. The Nepalese goalkeeper and another defensive player who came to stop him fell down there.
Butler’s disciples could not stay ahead for long. Nepal equalized in 56 minutes.
At this time, Nepal’s Preeti Rai got the ball in front of the midfield. He squinted at Amisha Karki in front. He followed the ball into the D box. Then there was only Bangladesh goalkeeper Rupana Chakma in front of him. Amisha beat him and sent the ball into the net at the far post.
Nepal had a chance to advance in the 61st minute. At this time, Savitra Bhandari could not score even after getting the Bangladesh goalkeeper alone. His shot went wide of the far post.
However, the current champions went ahead in the 81st minute. At this time, Bangladesh gets a throw to the left. Rituparna got the ball extended by Shamsunnahar senior from the throw. Move forward a little and take a long shot with the left foot. It touched the hands of Nepal goalkeeper Anjila and went into the net.
The rest of the time, the girls of Bangladesh maintained this lead. Safe’s title is guaranteed to be retained. Bangladesh girls once again got the taste of the title by defeating Nepal 2-1. The taste that girls from Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka fought to get. Leaving them all behind, the girls of Bangladesh once again get the flag of excellence.
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Football Expert on Bangladesh’s Victory in the Women’s SAFF Championship
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone! Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Amina Rahman, a sports analyst and women’s football expert, to discuss the recent triumph of the Bangladesh women’s football team in the Women’s SAFF Championship 2024. Welcome, Dr. Rahman!
Dr. Amina Rahman: Thank you for having me today!
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Bangladesh has successfully defended its title after a thrilling 2-1 victory against Nepal. How significant is this win for the Bangladesh team and the development of women’s football in the country?
Dr. Rahman: This victory is monumental for several reasons. First, it showcases the growth of women’s football in Bangladesh. Winning the SAFF Championship for the second consecutive time instills a sense of pride and accomplishment. It draws attention to women’s sports, encouraging more girls to participate in football. Furthermore, it reflects the hard work and dedication from the players, coaches, and the football association.
Editor: Indeed! The match had its intense moments, especially with Monika Chakma and Rituparna Chakma scoring. What stood out for you in Bangladesh’s performance during this final?
Dr. Rahman: One of the standout factors was their resilience. After ending the first half goalless, they came out aggressively and took the lead. Monika Chakma’s goal was a culmination of excellent teamwork, and it demonstrated their tactical awareness on the pitch. Although they faced a setback when Nepal equalized just minutes later, Bangladesh’s ability to regroup and maintain composure under pressure was commendable.
Editor: Speaking of pressure, the match saw Nepal equalizing shortly after Bangladesh took the lead. How do you think this affected the team psyche?
Dr. Rahman: It certainly tested their mental toughness. When a team concedes an equalizer, especially right after scoring, it can lead to frustration or panic. However, the Bangladeshi players showed fantastic mental resilience. Instead of allowing Nepal to gain momentum, they refocused and found the winning goal soon after. This reflects their improved mental fortitude, which is crucial in high-stakes matches.
Editor: Now, let’s talk about the crowd atmosphere at Dasaratha Rangshala Stadium. How important was home support for Nepal, and how did it influence the match’s dynamics?
Dr. Rahman: The home crowd can serve as a significant boost, providing motivation and energy to the players. For Nepal, the local support undoubtedly fired up the players. That being said, Bangladesh has shown they can compete under pressure, having won their first title in 2022 despite the challenges. The ability to perform in front of a hostile crowd speaks volumes about their maturity and skill level.
Editor: Looking ahead, how do you see this victory impacting the future of women’s football in South Asia?
Dr. Rahman: This victory is a beacon of hope and encouragement for other nations in South Asia. It can lead to increased investment in women’s teams, more visibility for the sport, and greater support for grassroots programs. When countries see success in women’s football, they are more likely to prioritize development in that sector.
Editor: with the continuous success of the Bangladesh women’s team, do you think they have the potential to compete at higher levels, such as the Asian Cup or beyond?
Dr. Rahman: Absolutely! This team has already demonstrated remarkable potential. If they can maintain their trajectory of development—through training, competition exposure, and adequate support—they have the opportunity to compete on bigger platforms. Success at the SAFF Championship can be a stepping stone toward qualifying for larger tournaments like the Asian Cup.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rahman, for your insights today! It’s clear that the Bangladesh women’s football team is not just making waves regionally but also inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Dr. Rahman: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this exciting topic! I look forward to seeing how they evolve in the future.
Editor: And to our readers, thank you for tuning in. Stay with us for more updates on sports and other stories making headlines.