Bangladesh hold Pakistan to 1-1 draw in SAFF opener

Bangladesh Women's Football team played out a 1-1 draw against Pakistan in their Group A opener of the SAFF Women's Championship at the Dasharath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Sunday.

Pakistan took the lead in the 32nd minute through Zahmena Samin Malik, who capitalized on a midfield pass and outpaced two Bangladesh defenders to score with a well-placed right-footer past the goalkeeper. 

Despite the setback, Bangladesh fought back and leveled the score in the dying moments of the match when Shamsunnahar Jr. netted an equalizer in stoppage time (90+1 minute) following a goal-mouth scramble.

The result leaves both teams with one point each, but Bangladesh have a crucial match remaining against India on Wednesday (Oct 23). A draw against India would be enough to secure Bangladesh's spot in the semi-finals, while Pakistan's fate depends on the outcome of that match. If Bangladesh lose, goal difference calculations will determine which team advances.

India have already booked their semi-final spot after a dominant 5-2 victory over Pakistan in their opening match of the tournament.

Bangladesh XI: Rupna Chakma, Sabina Khatun, Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar S, Afeida Khandaker, Monika Chakma, Tohura Khatun, Sapna Rani, Ritu Porna Chakma, Shamsunnahar J, Kohati Kisku.