Nepal reach final in SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship

It was a dramatic victory for Nepali girls as they came from behind beat favourite India by 3-1 goals to book their spot in the final as the first team in SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship held today (Tuesday) at Birshreshtha Shaheed Sepoy Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Stadium in the city’s Kamalapur.

With the day’s win, Nepal reached the top of the table with six points from three matches while India, despite the day’s loss, stands at the second position in the point table with four points also from the same number of matches.

India will now have to hope that Bhutan pulls off a miracle against Bangladesh, which needs only a draw to go to the final of the championship.

India took the lead in the 21st minute when Sumati Kumari crossed the ball to Aparna Narzary inside the box and she perfectly executed it from the handshake distance.

After the resumption, Nepal came to the field in a more organized way and scored three goals in the second half to snatch victory from the jaw of India.

Forward Anjali Chand restored the parity for Nepal in the 48th minute from close range after the Indian custodian failed to clear the ball.

Preeti Rai put Nepal ahead scoring the second goal in the 69th minute while Amisha Karki sealed the victory scoring the third goal for Nepal in the 89th minute of the match.

Nepal earlier made a losing start in the championship after going down a 1-3 goal defeat to India in their opening match but staged a brilliant fight back after thrashing Bhutan by 4-0 goals in their second match.

While India dumped Bhutan by 12-0 goals in their opening match but they were held a goalless draw by Bangladesh in their second match.

The final of the championship will be held on Thursday (Feb 9) at the same venue.

 

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