Defending champions Bangladesh overcame both a psychological hurdle and the challenge of Nepal to secure a place in the SAFF Women’s Championship final in Goa yesterday, although their performance in the semifinal remained below their usual standards.
The women in red and green struggled to replicate the form they had shown in the preceding editions in 2022 and 2024, when they lifted the title. Coming off a disappointing loss to hosts India in the last group match, they faced six-time runners-up who dominated large periods of the match and created multiple chances.
Compounding the challenge, Sheuli Azim was absent, as the experienced defender had lost her mother the previous day, leaving the team, experiencing collective grief, to abandon their training session on the eve of their penultimate hurdle.
The return of former captain Afeida Khandokar provided some stability to the backline, but the midfield lacked cohesion, with Afeida’s successor Maria Manda unable to repeat the commanding performances that had carried her through the previous two matches.
British coach Peter Butler made timely tactical changes after conceding the lead, bringing on Shamsunnahar Jr and Tahura Khatun to add pace upfront. Further substitutions in the second half, including Monika Chakma, Shaheda Akter Ripa and Mst Sagorika, helped shift the momentum in Bangladesh’s favour.
“I felt we managed our substitutions very well. That was the key to the game,” Butler said at the post-match conference.
“I knew Monika wouldn’t last, so I couldn’t play her from the start -- she had picked up another knock. It was about managing the conditions and circumstances, and, more importantly, making the right calls with substitutions, especially in this heat.”
Butler also defended his midfield, noting the team’s determination and resilience. “We really had to grind it out… scrap and fight. Maria was the catalyst, and Ripa did well when she came on. Unfortunately, Monika got injured. The most important thing we needed was character and resolve.”
Responding to Nepal coach Nabin Neupane calling the win “unlucky,” having seen his side create many chances and hit the crossbar twice, Butler shot back, “The harder you work, the luckier you get. Take that with you, and have it printed on your tombstone.”
Captain Maria Manda reflected on coping with Sheuli’s personal loss. “We felt the same pain that Sheuli felt. We talked among ourselves because it was the last chance for us. If we could cash in on the chance, then we would go to the final.”
Star forward Ritu Porna, not in her usual form for the third consecutive match, emerged as a key player by scoring the equaliser and earning Player of the Match honours.
“I don’t know how I scored at such an important time, but I think it was God-gifted. Every goal is special, but today’s felt unbelievable,” she said on her way to the team bus.
