Football

Nepal edged arch-rivals India 1-0 on Friday to set up a meeting with Bangladesh in the SAFF Women’s Championship final.

Egged on by vociferous fans at the Dashrath Stadium, Nepal secured their first victory against India in their sixth attempt. 

The tournament will have new champions on Monday as both Nepal and Bangladesh are vying for a maiden title. Earlier in the day, Bangladesh beat Bhutan 8-0 in the other semi-final.

India entered this tournament as firm favourites, winning every game on the way to five championship titles. But they suffered two losses in this tournament. Bangladesh had exposed a chink in the Indian armour with a 3-0 win in a group stage game. 

Friday's second semi-final started with both teams going toe-to-toe in midfield to gain momentum.

Nepal kept the Indian defence busy with their pressing game and they had a nice chance in the 33rd minute. But they were unable to find the target.

The Nepali players maintained a high line, forcing India on the back foot. With much of the action limited to the midfield, it appeared the opening half would end in a stalemate. 

However, midfielder Preeti Rai after a darting run on the right found Rashmi Kumari Ghising with a teasing cross. Ghising calmly put it away, beating the Indian goalkeeper, Aditi Chauhan, for a 1-0 half time lead.

The change of ends saw Nepal return with their foot on the gas. After weathering the Nepali storm early in the second half, India tried to break into the Nepali 22-yard box. But Nepal defence held fire.

The see-saw battle raged in the middle of the pitch, with neither side relenting.

India showed urgency in search of an equaliser with less than 10 minutes away from the long whistle. But the Nepali players held the fort to secure the victory, triggering wild celebrations all around.