Dramatic Last-Minute Goal Secures Bangladesh’s Win Over Nepal, Second Victory in SAFF

There was tense silence on the field, the clock ticking in the final moments. The scoreline was tied 2-2. Bangladesh supporters held their breath, wondering—would it be a win, or last-minute disappointment? At that moment, Umela Marma delivered a perfect cross from the left side, and running into the box, Trishna Rani Chakma struck an exceptional shot that found the net. That goal earned the much-desired three points. Bangladesh’s dugout erupted in celebration, and the flag of victory flew high.

In their second match of the SAFF Under-20 Women’s Championship, Bangladesh advanced impressively by defeating Nepal 3-2. Both teams saw one player each receive a red card—Bangladesh’s in-form striker Mosammat Sagrika and one from Nepal.

Though the other three teams in the group considered Bangladesh the favorite, Nepal had signaled a fighting spirit in the pre-match press conference. They proved that determination on the field. Despite trailing 2-0 in the first half, Nepal equalized in the second half. But Bangladesh snatched victory with a last-minute strike.

Bangladesh created early goal-scoring chances. From a corner taken by Swapna Rani, Munki Akter’s header brushed Afida Khandakar, and the ball fell in front of Sagrika, who missed the opportunity to score with an imperfect shot. Then, in the 11th minute, Bangladesh nearly conceded a goal very close up. While clearing a back pass from Shanti Mardi, goalkeeper Swarna’s shot deflected off Nepal’s Supriya and narrowly went past the post.

At the 14th minute, Bangladesh took the lead 1-0 through Sinha Jahan Shikha’s goal. Later, at the 37th minute, Sagrika extended the lead to 2-0. After two shots were saved by the goalkeeper from Shanti Mardi’s crosses, this forward, who had scored a hat-trick in the previous match, scored on the third attempt.

Nepal fought back in the second half, scoring two consecutive goals to level the match. But the final word belonged to Bangladesh—secured by Trishna Rani’s outstanding finish.

The match, held at Kathmandu’s Kings Arena, was a thrilling and closely fought contest. Bangladesh dominated the first half but fell a bit back in the second. Yet, in the end, the red-and-green girls celebrated the victory.

Bangladesh still has three group stage matches remaining—against Bhutan on July 15 and 17, and Sri Lanka on July 19. On July 21, Afida’s team will face Nepal once again.