Nepal take on Bangladesh Tuesday

SOURCE: REPUBLICA

KATHMANDU, Dec 21: Nepal will take on the hosts Bangladesh on Tuesday for a place in the final of the First SAFF Women´s Football Championship being held in Cox´s Bazar, Bangladesh.

Nepal secured a semifinal spot as the winners of group B with huge victories in all three matches played during the group stage. Nepal beat Maldives 6-0 in the opener, thrashed Afghanistan 13-0 in another and blanked Pakistan 12-0.

Bangladesh made it through to the last four as the runners-up of group A, behind India, with six points. In the league round, Bangladesh had a 2-0 victory over Sri Lanka and thrashed Bhutan 7-0. They were, however, defeated 6-0 by India in the last group match.

The last time Nepali women met Bangladesh was during the 11th South Asian Games (SAG) held earlier this year in Dhaka, Bangladesh. On that occasion, Nepal had defeated Bangladesh 1-0, thanks to a goal from skipper Jamuna Gurung. Nepal had secured silver bronze after losing to India in the final.

Following their best run in the group round, Nepali players are highly motivated to continue their winning streak and repeat their past glory by defeating the hosts.

The hosts, on the other hand, are ready to avenge the defeat suffered during the SAG and confirm at least a bronze. They will have the advantage of home ground and home supporters over the Nepali side.

The winners will vie for the title against India, who have already secured a place in the final after a thumping 8-0 win over Pakistan in the first semifinal match played on Monday.