Bangladesh's hat-trick of SAFF titles denied as India win final 3-1

Bangladesh's dream of lifting the SAFF Women's Championship trophy for the third consecutive time was shattered in the final as they lost 3-1 to arch-rivals India, settling for the runners-up title.

The final at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa started cautiously, with Bangladesh playing defensive football. However, Bangladesh missed a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 12th minute. Rituparna Chakma delivered a brilliant cross from the left flank, but Shamsunnahar Jr failed to make contact from close range. Two minutes later, Tahura Khatun wasted another chance, delaying her shot against the Indian goalkeeper, allowing Juli Kishan to clear the ball.

India also had a golden opportunity in the 16th minute. Nirmala Devi's shot was not properly controlled by goalkeeper Mili Akter, and defender Kohati Kispot failed to clear the danger, allowing Astam Oraon to take possession. However, with an empty goal in front of her, Oraon's shot went wide, sparing Bangladesh.

Just before halftime, India broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute. Defender Surbhi's attempt to stop Pyari Xaxa resulted in the ball deflecting off her and floating over the advancing goalkeeper Mili Akter into the net. But Bangladesh responded quickly. In first-half stoppage time, Tahura set up Rituparna, who controlled the ball, entered the box from the left and curled a shot past the Indian goalkeeper to make it 1-1.

Bangladesh suffered a huge blow just 48 seconds after the restart. Pyari Xaxa delivered an excellent cross, and Sanfida headed it powerfully into the net to restore India's lead at 2-1.

Bangladesh pushed hard to equalise. In the 51st minute, Shamsunnahar Jr's header from Rituparna's corner went over the crossbar. In the 58th minute, Shamsunnahar fell inside the Indian box while challenging for the ball, but the referee ignored Bangladesh's strong penalty appeal.

In the 83rd minute, a disorganised Bangladesh defence allowed Kom Sejerto to score India's third goal, ending any hopes of a comeback. The match ended 3-1, with India celebrating the title as Bangladesh finished as runners-up.