In a dramatic semifinal of the SAFF Women’s Championship, Nepal emerged victorious over India with a 4-2 win in a penalty shootout after a tense 1-1 draw in regulation time. The match, held at the Dasharath Stadium, was marred by confusion and controversy, ultimately leading to India’s exit from the tournament.
The game began with high stakes, as both teams aimed for a spot in the final. India took the lead in the 62nd minute thanks to a stunning long-range strike from Sangita Basfore. However, the match took a turn when Nepal’s equalizer was disallowed by the referee, sparking a protest that halted play for over an hour.
Tensions escalated when Nepal’s striker Rekha Poudel received a red card early in the second half, leaving her team to fight back with ten players. Despite the setback, the Nepali side’s frustrations reached a boiling point after India’s goal. While the Indian players celebrated, Nepal controversially put the ball into an unguarded net, which the referee disallowed. This incident added to the chaos, prompting Nepal to temporarily leave the pitch in protest.
After extensive discussions among officials and a lengthy delay, the match finally resumed. Nepal capitalized on the confusion and equalized shortly after through Sabitra Bhandari, forcing the game into a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Nepal converted all four of their attempts, while India struggled. Only Manisha and Karishma Shirvoikar found the net, with skipper Ashalata Devi and Ranjana Chanu missing their shots.
Nepal’s victory means they will face Bangladesh in the final, who comfortably defeated Bhutan 7-1 in the earlier semifinal. This thrilling yet tumultuous match highlighted the intense rivalries in South Asian women’s football and the unpredictable nature of tournament play.
As the dust settles on this match, India will reflect on missed opportunities and the importance of maintaining composure amidst chaos. Meanwhile, Nepal can celebrate a hard-fought victory that has propelled them into the championship match, showcasing the growing competitiveness in women’s football in the region.