A scintillating hat-trick from forward Alpi Akter propelled the Bangladesh Under-19 women’s football team to the final of the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship, as they overwhelmed hosts Nepal 4-0 at the Pokhara Rangasala Stadium on Wednesday.
With this emphatic victory, coach Peter Butler’s side completed the group stage with a perfect record, earning maximum nine points from three matches to top the table. India also secured a place in the final by defeating Bhutan earlier in the day, finishing second with six points. The two South Asian rivals will clash in the title decider on Saturday at the same venue.
Bangladesh wasted little time asserting dominance. Protima Munda opened the scoring in the third minute with a precise header from a corner kick delivered by Mamoni Chakma. Despite the early setback, Nepal tightened their defense, frustrating the Bangladesh attack until the dying moments of the first half.
Alpi Akter then took centre stage, doubling the lead in stoppage time before halftime with a stunning direct free-kick. She continued her onslaught in the second half, scoring a brilliant solo goal from a counter-attack in the 67th minute. Alpi completed her hat-trick in the 82nd minute by calmly tapping in a cross from Kranuching Marma.
This remarkable performance takes Alpi’s goal tally to seven in just three matches of the tournament, cementing her status as one of the competition’s standout players.
Earlier in the tournament, the Bangladesh side had showcased their scoring prowess with a 12-0 rout of Bhutan in the opening match, followed by a 2-0 victory over India. With the win over Nepal, Bangladesh not only confirmed their spot in the final but also sent a strong statement ahead of the title clash.
Bangladesh and India have a competitive history in this age-group tournament. The two sides were declared joint champions in 2024, while Bangladesh had triumphed over India to lift the trophy in 2021.
Bangladesh U-19 women’s squad: Mst Yearzan Begum, Mst Surovi Akter Arfin, Mst Joynob Bibi Rita, Arpita Biswas, Protima Munda, Sorovi Rani, Most Munki Akhter, Kranuching Marma, Sree Moti Trishna Rani, Alpi Akter, Mamoni Chakma, Shanti Mardi, Mst Bonna Khatun, Rupa Akter, Purnima Marma, Mst Momita Khatun, Thuinuye Marma, Ayonto Bala Mahato, Puja Das, Sauravi Akanda Prity, Mst Mira Khatun, and Meghla Rani Roy.
