Football

India, having secured a semifinal berth, will face Bangladesh in their final Group A match of the SAFF Women's Championship in Kathmandu on Wednesday. For Bangladesh, this is a crucial encounter, as a win would secure them the group title, while a loss would send Pakistan to the semifinals due to a superior goal difference.India's commanding 5-2 victory over Pakistan has propelled them into the semifinals, but their focus now shifts to topping the group and avenging their 2022 defeat to Bangladesh. In that tournament, Bangladesh shocked India by ending their unbeaten streak with a 3-0 win, marking the first time India had lost to their South Asian rivals in SAFF history."We have faced Bangladesh before, and we watched their last game against Pakistan. Our sole focus now is to win this match," said India's skipper Bala Devi. "We have both senior and young players and we are prepared to push for a win."Head coach Santosh Kashyap has meticulously prepared the team for the challenges posed by Bangladesh. "Tomorrow's match will be challenging, as Bangladesh are a strong side with a foreign coach and have solid tactical plans," he said. "Although we have already booked a spot in the semi-finals, we are taking it one game at a time, aiming to win every match."Bangladesh and Pakistan are currently tied on one point each after a 1-1 draw in their group-stage match. Bangladesh will miss the services of coach Golam Rabbani Choton and key players Akhi Khatun and Anai Mogini, but they have introduced fresh talents like Afeida Khandakar, Matsushima Sumaya, and Airin Khatun."We are coming up against an Indian team, who, in my opinion, are probably the best team in the tournament," said Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler. "It's a do or die game. It's a game we don't want to lose."With India already in the semifinals, the match will determine the group winner and the second semifinalist. Bangladesh will need a victory to top the group, while Pakistan will advance if India triumphs. A draw would leave Bangladesh as group runners-up, but they would still need a victory to secure the top spot.

Defending champions India kicked off their SAFF U17 Championship campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bangladesh in a Group A encounter at the Changlimithang Stadium. Despite dominating the match, India struggled to break down a resolute Bangladesh defense until defender Sumit Sharma's late header in the 90th minute secured the win.Substitute Manbhakupar Malngiang, introduced in the 78th minute, played a pivotal role in the goal. His precise cross from the right flank found a host of Bangladesh defenders out of position, allowing Sharma to head the ball into the net.India's dominance was evident throughout the match, with wing-backs Renin Singh Chingtham and Yaipharemba Chingakham providing constant overlaps and wingers Vishal Yadav and Samson Ahongshangbam posing a constant threat. However, the Bangladesh defense, aided by some luck, managed to keep the Indian attackers at bay for most of the match.In the final 20 minutes, India intensified their attack, with Samson's long-range effort hitting the crossbar and Yaipharemba's header narrowly missing the target. Despite the Bangladesh defense's resilience, Sharma's late goal proved decisive, giving India a crucial three points in the three-team group.While the victory was a positive start for India, they will be disappointed with the narrow margin of victory given their dominance. The team will need to improve their finishing and efficiency in front of goal if they are to retain their title.