Bangladesh beat Bhutan to storm to SAFF semis

Bangladesh began their SAFF Women Championship with a 2-0 victory over Bhutan in a Group A encounter at the Sahid Rangashala in Biratnagar, Nepal today.

The outright victory helped Bangladesh storm to the semifinal of the tournament with a match to spare. They will now take on Nepal on March 16 in their bid to be the champion of their group, reports BSS.

Nepal earlier defeated Bhutan by 3-0, which means Bangladesh need to win over the hosts at any cost to be the group champion. A draw is enough for hosts Nepal to become the group champion. For most the first half of the game, Bangladesh cornered Bhutan but failed to find the net.

Tension grew high as the first half went goal-less against a team, against whom Bangladesh never conceded a defeat.

However Mishrat Jahan Mousumi opened the scoring for Bangladesh in the 46th minute with a headed goal.

Late in the game in 85th minute, Sabina Khatun scored the second for Bangladesh with a sidefoot finish after a darting run through the centre.

Bangladesh later kept pressure on Bhutan but couldn’t find the net. Bhutan however crashed out of the tournament after losing two consecutive games.

Bangladesh squad: Mahmuda Akter, Rupna Chakma, Yasmin Akther, Masura Parvin, Mossammat Akhi Khatun, Mossammat Nargis Khatun, Nilufa Yasmin Nila, Shamsunnahar-1, Sheuli Azim, Mossammat Mishrat Jahan Moushumi, Maria Manda, Monika Chakma, Mossammat Ishrat Jahan Ratna, Sanjida Akhter, Marzia, Mossammat Sirat Jahan Shopna, Sabina Khatun, Srimoti Krishnarani Sarkar, Mossammat Razia Khatun, Shamsunnahar-2 and Tohura Khatun.