Defending champions India continued with their impressive run of form at the South Asian Football Federation Women’s (Saff) Championship as they defeated Sri Lanka 5-0 in the semi-finals at Jinnah stadium in Islamabad on Wednesday.

In the other semi-final, Nepal overcame determined Bangladesh 1-0 to ensure that the championship final is contested between the same two teams for the third time in a row.

The 10-day event is reaching its end and despite valiant efforts from both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, they failed to stop India and Nepal from making it into the final in all three editions of the championship so far.

India looked comfortable against Sri Lanka right from kick-off, as Kathiresa Indumathi opened the scoring in just the 23rd minute of the match. India’s stand-in captain Baladevi scored her 12th goal of the tournament nine minutes later to give India a comfortable lead at the break.

Indumathi scored her second just three minutes after the restart to virtually put an end to the contest, while Premeshwari Devi and Kamla Devi also got on the score sheet late on.

Nepal struggle

The other semi-final was a closer affair as Nepal struggled to break down Bangladesh’s resistance in the first half. However, Sanjana Rana grabbed the winner in the 56th minute to ensure her team’s place in the final.

Nepal, who have lost both previous finals to India, know that they will be up against it in the final. “We know India are a stronger side than us,” Nepal coach Kumar Katuwal told The Express Tribune. “But we should’ve scored more goals in the semi-final, at least two or three more.”

Katuwal spoke of his team’s desire to finally overcome the Indians in the final and claim their first Saff Championship trophy. “Technically India is a better side but my team has the required determination,” he said. “Yes they are not at par with the Indian team at the moment, but having a young team also means that we have a lot of energy. We are working on the tactics.”

Meanwhile Nepal captain Anu, who was substituted in the second half, feels that her team may be third-time lucky. “I think we can win this trophy. We will have to do better to beat India for sure,’ said Anu. “I was marked throughout the game by the Bengalis. Teams tend to mark good players, but I’m very happy with the way our defenders played today. Bangladesh also need to be credited for the fight that they put up.”

Meanwhile, Bangladesh coach Tsuki Tate said that it was hard to see his team lose after playing so well and putting in that much effort.

“My players did well,” said Tate. “But my journey with them was just till this championship. I’m going to go back to my wife in Japan after the two-month contract, but I’ll sure miss the players; they were honest, beautiful and hardworking.”

An expected outcome

The Indian coach, Tarun Roy, had earlier said that Nepal will remain the top competitor for his side but they will be hoping to continue their perfect record in the championship and take home their third trophy.

Despite being knocked out in the group stages, the Pakistan team continues to take a keen interest in the championship and the players watch all the matches. According to striker Shahlyala Baloch, they were always expecting a Nepal-India final.

Pakistan Coach Tariq Lutfi was also on the same wavelength as his players and believes the trophy is India’s to lose, especially considering the gulf in class that they have shown between themselves and their opponents and the lacklustre Nepalese displayed against Bangladesh.

The final will take place today.
(The Express Tribune)