Bangladesh breaks Nepali hearts again at SAFF Women’s Championship

Nepal's aspirations for the SAFF Women's Championship title were dashed once again, as the team fell 2-1 to defending champions Bangladesh in the semifinals. The absence of star striker Sabitra Bhandari "Samba" was noted, and this marks the second time Nepal has failed to reach the final in a championship held in India.

Nepal took an early lead in the 22nd minute through Geeta Rana, but Bangladesh equalized in first-half injury time with a stunning Olimpico goal from Ritu Porna Chakma. The match took a decisive turn in second-half injury time when Mst Sagorika scored the winning goal amidst a collision between two Nepali players. Head coach Nabin Neupane expressed frustration, stating the referee should have stopped play during the incident, which he believed was a concussion case.

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In the last five minutes of the first half, Bangladesh played at high speed and we couldn’t control those five minutes. In the second half too, we created many chances. But at the end, that situation (the injury) happened. Our team gave 100%. But we were again unlucky.

Coach Neupane lamented the team's inability to control the final minutes of both halves and acknowledged their unluckiness. "Our team gave 100%," he said, "But we were again unlucky." He emphasized that player safety should have superseded the advantage call. The loss means Neupane's goal of winning a SAFF title as a coach, mirroring his aspirations as a former player, remains unfulfilled.

Historically, Nepal has dominated Bangladesh in SAFF Championships and South Asian Games. However, the tide has turned in the last five years, with Nepal now suffering three consecutive knockout stage defeats to Bangladesh in the SAFF Championship. This recent streak includes losses in the 2022 and 2024 finals, and now a semifinal defeat in 2026.

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That was a concussion case. The referee gave advantage based on the ball situation. But that situation was related to a player’s life. In my understanding, the game should have been stopped immediately rather than playing advantage.