SAFF C'ship: India outwit Bangladesh, recapture lost glory

Margao: Except for a minute before the break, India never seemed to lose belief that they are the best in South Asia.That belief was not out of place. Despite Bangladesh equalising in first half added time, India fought back in the second with a dominating performance to script a 3-1 win and regain lost glory in the SAFF Women’s Championship at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Saturday.This was India’s sixth SAFF women’s triumph and the first since 2019. They did not make it to the final for the last two editions in 2022 and 2024 – both won by Bangladesh – and have now denied their archrivals a famous hat-trick of titles.Pyari Xaxa gave India the lead in the 42nd minute, but Ritu Porna Chakma equalised for Bangladesh before the break. However, Sanfida Nongrum helped India regain the lead within a minute into the second half, and substitute Lynda Serto put the match to rest with the third in the 82nd minute.India coach Crispin Chettri had promised to field his strongest starting lineup in the final and he didn’t deviate from the plan, bringing in Juli Kishan, captain Sangita Basfore, Pyari Xaxa and star midfielder Manisha Kalyan. Bangladesh, who left it late against Nepal in their 2-1 semifinal victory, made two changes as coach Peter Butler chose Tohura Khatun and Shamsunnahar.Bangladesh appeared to have learned their lessons from the 0-3 defeat against India in the group stages. The defending champions started on the front foot, attacked from the flank and didn’t allow the home team to settle down. They constantly attacked from the left where the experienced Ritu Porna, with 41 caps, kept Nirmala Devi, Juli and the impeccable Shilky Devi busy.As the match progressed, Tohura had a good look at goal, but Juli came up with a timely interception inside the box.India took time to create anything fruitful. They got their first opportunity only after 15 minutes when Bangladesh keeper Mile Akter failed to collect a long ball by Nirmala. The ball fell to Astam Oraon, but her placement lacked direction with the keeper out her position.At the half an hour mark, Nirmala sent another floater and Aveka Singh’s promising header missed the target, while Manisha’s powerful half volley was brilliantly kept away by the goalkeeper.India finally broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute after Pyari’s shot deflected off defender Surovi Akter Arfin and sailed over the keeper into the goal.India’s joy, however, lasted only a few minutes as they lost concentration and conceded their first goal of the campaign in added time of first half. India lost the ball in midfield and Bangladesh were quick to capitalise as Ritu finished calmly with a grounder past Panthoi Chanu.India needed to step up their game in the second half and they responded within a minute. It was Pyari again, this time turning provider as her perfect cross was headed home by Sanfida.India should have scored their third in the 65th minute when Sanfida set up Manisha inside the box, but her volley missed the target in a one-on-one situation.India were not to be denied their third: eight minutes from time, a clearance by Afeida Khandaker fell straight to substitute Lynda, who made no mistake from handshaking distance.Awards:Best goalkeeper: Panthoi Chanu (India)Highest goalscorer: Aveka Singh (India)Most Valuable Player: Sanfida Nongrum (India)Fairplay Award: Nepal