Bangladesh failed to secure a hat-trick of titles as they fell 3-1 to hosts India in the final of the SAFF Women's Championship in Goa.
This defeat marks a repeat of the 2016 final, where Bangladesh also lost to India on the same soil.
After two consecutive unbeaten championship runs, the "Tigresses" appeared out of form throughout this tournament. They suffered a 3-0 defeat to India in the group stage and conceded another three goals in the final.
While Ritu Porna Chakma managed to score for Bangladesh, defensive lapses and goalkeeping errors proved costly for Peter Butler’s squad.
The match highlights a recurring issue in Bangladesh's backline. India took the lead in the 42nd minute through Pyari Xaxa, capitalizing on an error by goalkeeper Mili Akter, who was caught out of position after rushing forward.
Ritu Porna Chakma brought Bangladesh back into the game during first-half injury time with a clinical diagonal shot, sending the teams into the locker rooms level at 1-1.
However, India regained the lead just four minutes into the second half. Sanfida rose above the Bangladeshi defense to head home a corner, with the ball glancing off the post into the net. Bangladesh struggled to create significant chances in the final 45 minutes as India maintained control.
The victory was sealed in the 82nd minute when defender Afida Khandakar failed to clear a ball, allowing Indian forward Bala Devi to score the third and final goal.
With this win, India restores its regional dominance, while Bangladesh ends the tournament as runners-up, reflecting on a campaign marred by inconsistent performances in goal and defense.
