Bangladesh emerge group champions

Bangladesh emerged champions of Group B in the 4th SAFF Women's Championship after holding three-time defending champions India to a 0-0 draw in their final group match at the Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri yesterday.

The charges of Golam Rabbani Choton, who had got their campaign off to a flier with a 6-0 win over Afghanistan and thereby ensuring their semifinal berth and earning an edge on goal-difference over India, managed to hold their mighty neighbours to a draw with a deep defensive tactic.

The result, which saw the first time in six attempts Bangladesh avoiding defeat against the regional powerhouse, earned Bangladesh the top spot in the group with six points, equal to India's, but having a better goal difference.

Bangladesh will take on Maldives in the second semifinal on Monday after India take on three-time runners-up Nepal in the first semifinal.

The group championship was vital for Bangladesh as they apparently wanted to avoid Nepal in the last four. However, the task was a tall one as Bangladesh had never previously managed to put up any fight against India.

But buoyed by the inclusion of a host of under-16 players, who have scaled dizzy heights of success in recent times, Bangladesh were confident of holding their mighty neighbours at their own backyard.

Coach Choton had said that unlike the opening match, he would want his side to play with a solid defensive shield and only go on attacks after securing the backline. According to message received, Bangladesh enjoyed minimal possession and hardly had a shot on target as they defended deep and in numbers, but the most important thing was they managed to stave off the attacks from the India, who have a squad far more experienced and aged than their Bangladesh counterparts.

Goalkeeper Sabina Akter foiled a number of Indian attacks to keep a clean sheet. The veteran goalkeeper said, “We proved that we are the best in the group and so we became group champions. I have kept my word and kept a clean sheet. Now our next target is to reach the Final.”

India coach Sajid Yusuf Dhar gave credit to Bangladesh for playing fantastic football according to the gameplan, but rued the missed chances of his side.