In a breathtaking display of skill, forward Mosammat Sagorika netted a remarkable hat-trick, propelling Bangladesh to a commanding 4-0 victory over Nepal. This triumph secured their title at the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-20 Women’s Championship, held at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in the capital on Monday.
Bangladesh has clinched the top spot in the league table, securing 18 points from six matches to emerge as unbeaten champions of the tournament. Meanwhile, Nepal has settled for the runners-up position with 15 points, having played the same number of matches.
The hosts showcased an impressive display of dominance in the virtual final, with Sagorika playing a pivotal role in the scoring action from the outset of the match.
Bangladesh made an impressive early move, scoring in the 8th minute. Forward Sagorika made a triumphant return to the lineup after serving a three-match suspension, putting Bangladesh ahead with a brilliantly executed angular shot following a well-timed through pass from Sapna Rani.
Following the break, Sagorika extended the advantage with a goal in the 51st minute. In a stunning display of skill, Sagorika received a precise pass from Umehla Marma and unleashed a brilliant shot from the near post, expertly evading the Nepalese custodian to find the back of the net.
In a stunning display of skill, she netted her hat-trick in the 56th minute, and just 18 minutes later, she sealed the win with a thunderous strike from outside the box, marking her fourth goal of the match.
Before the match, a poignant minute of silence was held to honour the victims of the tragic Bangladesh Air Force F-7 BGI training aircraft crash.
In a commanding display, tournament favourites Bangladesh showcased their dominance by dismantling Sri Lanka with a staggering 9-1 scoreline, followed by a 5-0 victory. They narrowly overcame Nepal in a thrilling first match, finishing 3-2, and continued their impressive run with decisive wins against Bhutan, 4-1 and 3-0.
Bangladesh squad: Swarna Rani Mandal, Nabiran Khatun, Mst Joynob Bibi Rita, Afeida Khandaker (captain), Mst Surma Jannat, Kanon Rani Bahadur, Sapna Rani, Mst Oeyshi Khatun, Sree Moti Trishna Rani, Mst Sagorika, Umehla Marma, Ayonto Bala Mahato, Rupa Akter, Mst Bonna Khatun, Most Munki Akhter, Kanom Akter, Mst Ruma Akter, Puja Das, Sinha Jahan Shikha, Shanti Mardi, Nadia Akter Juti, Mile Akter and Mst Fardosi Akter Shonale.
