In a crucial match at the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024, India Women Football Team succumbed to a 1-3 defeat against Bangladesh at the Dasharath Stadium on October 23. Despite already booking a semi-final spot before the game, the loss relegated India Women to second place in Group A, finishing with three points, while Bangladesh advanced to the top with four points. All four goals of the encounter were scored in a thrilling first half.
The defending champions, Bangladesh, dominated the midfield during the opening 30 minutes, leading to two early strikes. Afeida Khandaker broke the deadlock in the 18th minute, capitalizing on a corner to put Bangladesh ahead. Tohura Khatun, who was later named Player of the Match, doubled the lead in the 29th minute. Khatun’s impressive form continued as she found the net again with a powerful shot from outside the box just before halftime, extending Bangladesh’s advantage to 3-0.
India Women’s captain Bala Devi gave the Blue Tigresses a glimmer of hope in the 42nd minute, connecting with a header from Dalima Chhibber’s cross to reduce the deficit. Despite the encouraging response, India trailed 1-3 going into the break.
Although India Women had historically dominated their head-to-head encounters with Bangladesh—winning nine out of their previous 11 meetings—this latest result marked India Women’s second consecutive loss to their eastern neighbors. In 2022, Bangladesh defeated India Women during the group stage and went on to dethrone the five-time champions in the semi-finals.
Wednesday’s scoreline may have suggested a lopsided contest, but India Women showed resilience after conceding the first two goals. They created several promising opportunities, including a 35th-minute attempt by Bala Devi, whose shot was thwarted by Bangladesh’s goalkeeper, Rupna Chakma. Chakma continued her impressive performance in the second half, denying substitute Jyoti’s powerful strike.
The Blue Tigresses faced a setback in the 27th minute when Anju Tamang was substituted due to injury, limiting India’s attacking options and momentum.
Ultimately, Bangladesh’s early dominance and clinical finishing in the first half proved decisive. India Women’s struggles defending against aerial deliveries were evident as they conceded twice from crosses into the box, including Khandaker’s opener and Khatun’s second strike.
As the tournament progresses, India will look to regroup and address their defensive lapses ahead of the semi-final showdown. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will be confident heading into the next phase, riding high on this morale-boosting victory.
