In a chaotic semi-final at the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024, India’s senior women’s team bowed out after a 4-2 penalty shoot-out defeat to Nepal at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu.
Despite leading 1-0 through a long-range strike by Sangita Basfore in the 62nd minute, a series of interruptions and disputes marred the match, ultimately swinging momentum in Nepal’s favor as they advanced to face Bangladesh in the final.
The second half was filled with contentious moments, beginning with a red card to Nepal’s Rekha Poudel in the 51st minute.
Nepal’s players and fans vehemently protested the decision, leading to a 12-minute pause in play as tensions escalated in the stands.
Shortly after India’s opening goal, even greater confusion erupted. As the Blue Tigresses celebrated near their bench, Nepal’s players took a quick restart, sending the ball into an open Indian net.
However, the referee disallowed the “goal,” sparking further protests that led Nepal’s players and officials to temporarily leave the pitch.
It took over an hour to resolve the dispute as spectators, players, and officials alike waited in uncertainty.
When play finally resumed, Nepal’s Sabitra Bhandari scored the equalizer, pushing the match into extra time and eventually penalties.
India, visibly affected by the disruptions, struggled in the shoot-out. Nepal converted all four of their attempts, while India missed two out of four, sealing their exit from the tournament.
The match’s extended stoppages, combined with crowd unrest, contributed to India’s loss of rhythm and concentration.
The unexpected twists on the pitch demonstrated the high emotions and stakes involved in the semi-final but ultimately ended in heartbreak for India’s campaign.
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