Bangladesh thump India to qualify for Women’s SAFF C’ship semis

Bangladesh forward Tohura Khatun scored a brace and defender Afeida Khandaker netted one in a thumping 3-1 win over India in their final Group A game in the SAFF Women's Championships at the Dashrath Rangasala stadium in Nepal on Wednesday.  

Photo: BFF

All thee of Bangladesh's goals came in the first half. Afeida scored the opener in the 18th minute with a clever chip from inside the box after India goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu half-cleared the corner kick from Sabina Khatun.

Photo: BFF

Tohura doubled Bangladesh's lead right before the half-hour mark, bundling home following a cross from Rituporna. She doubled her tally with a brilliant curler from outside the box after being teed up by Shamsunnahar Jr before half-time to make it 3-0 for the defending champions.

Photo: BFF

But goalkeeper Rupna Chakma let Dalima Chhibber's cross slip through her fingers, with Bala Devi ideally positioned to head the ball home in the 44th minute.

Photo: BFF

Bangladesh, who drew 1-1 against Pakistan in their opening fixture, go into the semis as group winners and will take on Group B runners-up.