
Nepal secured a dramatic 4-2 victory over India on penalties to reach the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu. This win marks only the second time Nepal has defeated the five-time champions, adding to their historic 1-0 semi-final win in the previous edition.
The match was filled with tension and controversy, leading to multiple interruptions totaling over 80 minutes. Despite these disruptions, Nepal held their ground and advanced to their sixth SAFF final, aiming to lift their first-ever international trophy.
Nepal Faces Bangladesh in Final Rematch
Nepal will now take on defending champions Bangladesh in the final on Wednesday 30 October—a repeat of the last edition’s showdown. Bangladesh booked their place in the final with a dominant 7-1 victory over Bhutan in the semi-finals.
Tense Moments and Controversial Decisions Mar the Match
The game started with cautious play from both sides, with India’s Jyoti Chauhan posing the first threat. Nepal’s Sabitra Bhandari came close to scoring in the 31st minute, but India’s goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu denied the effort.
Controversy erupted when the referee, Om Choki, failed to award Nepal a clear penalty for a handball incident. The situation worsened when Nepal’s striker Rekha Paudel was sent off in the second half after receiving a second yellow card. The red card infuriated fans, leading to a brief disruption as they voiced their frustration with chants and protests.
India Takes the Lead, But Nepal Responds
Despite being a player down, Nepal kept pressing. India struck first through Sangita Basfore, but confusion followed as the referee initially allowed Nepal to restart while India was still celebrating. Although Preeti Rai scored for Nepal, the goal was controversially disallowed after officials intervened, sparking further protests and a lengthy delay. The match resumed, and Bhandari quickly lifted the crowd by scoring the equalizer after a setup from Preeti Rai.
Nepal Triumphs in Penalty Shootout
When the match resumed, Nepal equalized through Sabitra Bhandari. With the score tied 1-1 at full time, the game went straight to penalties due to the prolonged interruptions. Coach Rajendra Tamang’s decision to bring in substitute goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar for the shootout paid off as she made a crucial save.
India missed two penalties, while Nepal’s Sabitra Bhandari, Gita Rana, Sabita Rana Magar, and Amisha Karki converted their spot-kicks, with Karki scoring the decisive goal.
Bhandari, named player of the match, expressed her gratitude to the fans, saying, “Today’s victory was only possible because of their incredible support. This win belongs to them.”
Nepal now shifts focus to the final, where they will attempt to claim their first-ever SAFF Women’s Championship title against Bangladesh.