�काठमांडू : India booked their place in the semi-finals of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women's Championship 2024 but failed to solve the puzzle of Bangladesh as they lost 1-3 to their neighbors on the eastern border at the Dashrath Stadium on Wednesday.
All the goals came in the first half. Although India were assured of a place in the last four even before the start of the match, the defeat left them runners-up in Group A with three points. Struggling Bangladesh secured four points during their 1-1 draw against Pakistan, according to a press release from the All India Football Federation (AIFF). A half-hour of midfield dominance by Bangladesh proved to be a problem for India early on as Afida Khandekar (18') and player of the match Tohura Khatoon (29') scored to give the defending champions a 2-0 lead. . Khatoon extended the lead with another goal in the 42nd minute, before captain Bala Devi reduced the gap with a clever header after Dalima Chhibber sent in a cross from the right.
This was the 12th time that the two teams met in the international arena. On nine occasions the result went in India's favor and once it was a draw, but now the two defeats have come in back-to-back matches. In 2022, India lost to Bangladesh in the group stage before giving up their crown as five-time champions in the semi-finals.
In the 35th minute, Ranjana Chanu's cross from the left was destined for goal, but Bala Devi's shot was stopped by Bangladesh goalkeeper Rupana Chakma. In the second half, Bangladesh goalkeeper Jyoti once again helped her team when she made a powerful shot. This time too Rupana could not be defeated.
After a few minutes Jyoti came back into the game. This time debutant Rimpa Haldar helped in scoring the goal, but Jyoti was a little late in reaching the ball. Overall, the match was lost in the first 30 minutes, when Bangladesh took control of the situation by scoring two goals. Meanwhile, India suffered a blow when midfielder Anju Tamang had to make way for Aruna Bag in the 27th minute due to injury. This adversely affected the Blue Tigress' attacking options.
All of India's troubles stemmed from deflecting crosses into the box. The first goal was on a corner and Afeda Khandekar passed it to Panthoi Chanu. India conceded the second goal when a hopeful goal down the left saw Khatoon running in to take advantage of the situation. However, his second strike was a pile-driver from just outside the box.
India: Elangbam Panthoi Chanu (GK); Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu, Julie Kishan, Loitongbam Ashalata Devi (Soumya Guguloth, 80'), Dalima Chhibber (Rimpa Halder 52'); Sanju, Sangeeta Basfour (Linthoingambi Devi Maibam 80'), Anju Tamang (Aruna Bag 27'), Grace Dangmei; Ngangom Bala Devi (C) (Jyoti, 52'), Manisha. (ANI)
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