Bangladesh’s women's football team stormed into the SAFF Women's Championship final with a commanding 7-1 win over Bhutan, powered by Tahura Khatun’s hat-trick.
The team led 5-1 by halftime and added two more goals in the second half to secure their place in the final.
Tahura scored twice in the first half and completed her hat-trick with a third goal in the second half. Masura Parveen capped off the scoreline with the seventh goal.
Bangladesh dominated Bhutan at the Dasarath Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal, showcasing a repeat of their strong form in the 2022 semi-final, where they beat Bhutan 8-0.
Bangladesh took an early lead in the eighth minute through a corner kick from Rituparna Chakma, followed by Tahura’s first goal to make it 2-0. Tahura’s second strike brought the score to 3-0 before Captain Sabina Khatun added two more goals. Bhutan managed to pull one back in the 41st minute, making it 5-1 at halftime.
Coach Peter Butler made a strategic change, bringing Sagarika into the starting eleven instead of Shamsunnahar Junior.
India and Nepal will face off in the second semi-final, with the winner set to compete against Bangladesh in the final on October 30. In 2022, Bangladesh clinched the championship by defeating Nepal 3-1. This year, they aim to defend their title.