Bangladesh’s Title Hopes Dim After 1-1 Draw with Bhutan

Bangladesh’s aspirations of clinching the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship took a significant hit on Friday after a 1-1 draw against hosts Bhutan in Thimphu, leaving their title hopes in jeopardy.

The result marked Bhutan’s first-ever point against Bangladesh in age-group SAFF football. With this draw, Bangladesh now have 10 points from five matches, while India, leading with 12 points from four games, can secure the title with a victory over Nepal later tonight. A win for India would render Sunday’s Bangladesh-India match inconsequential.

Bangladesh started strongly, taking the lead in the sixth minute when Purnima Marma capitalized on a poor clearance by Bhutan’s goalkeeper Kelzang Wangmo, lobbing the ball over her to make it 1-0. The visitors dominated early, with Sauravi Akanda Prity nearly doubling the lead, hitting the crossbar and missing another chance. Mamoni Chakma’s dangerous crosses also went unconverted. Bhutan equalized just before halftime through Chorten Zangmo, who latched onto a long pass, outmuscled her defender, and slotted a low shot past goalkeeper Meghla Rani Roy to make it 1-1. In the second half, Bangladesh pushed for a winner, with Mamoni, Prity, and Thuinuye Marma creating several opportunities, but poor finishing and Bhutan’s resolute defending held firm. Prity struck the woodwork again, encapsulating Bangladesh’s frustrating day.

Having previously defeated Bhutan 3-1 earlier in the tournament, this draw leaves Bangladesh dependent on an unlikely Indian loss to Nepal to keep their title hopes alive. Despite their dominance in regional women’s football, including U-20 and senior-level successes, Bangladesh may have to settle for second place.

Share This Post

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Print

শেয়ার করুন