Bangladesh seal semifinal spot with win over Maldives in opener

Defending champions Bangladesh made a winning start to their SAFF Women’s Championship campaign, beating Maldives 4-2 in their opening match of the tournament at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, India, today.

The victory also confirmed Bangladesh’s place in the semifinals as Maldives crashed out after suffering defeats in both of their group-stage matches. They were hammered 11-0 by hosts India in their first match.

Bangladesh maintained their perfect record against Maldives, making it five wins from five encounters. Peter Butler’s side will now face India in their final Group B match on May 31, with the group winners likely to secure a more favourable semifinal draw.

Anika Rania Siddiqui, Umehla Marma, Sauravi Akanda Pritty, and Kohati Kisku scored for Bangladesh, while Mariya Noora and Aminath Fazla netted for Maldives.

Bangladesh took the lead just 11 seconds after kickoff. Sweden-based forward Anika capitalised on a low cross from Ritu Porna Chakma to score one of the fastest goals of the tournament and set the tone for the match. Bangladesh dominated possession from the outset, pinning Maldives deep inside their own half.

Despite creating several chances, Bangladesh struggled to finish clinically before Umehla doubled the lead in the 34th minute with a low strike from the right after receiving a forward pass from Shamsunnahar Jr.

Maldives, however, pulled one back against the run of play. After Bangladesh lost possession in midfield, Mariya Noora unleashed a powerful 35-yard effort that struck the underside of the bar before crossing the line. The goal was confirmed by the assistant referee after a brief moment of uncertainty.

Bangladesh continued to control the game after the break, but Maldives stunned the holders again in the 57th minute when Aminath Fazla finished off a counterattack with a low shot past goalkeeper Mile Akter.

Butler had brought on Sauravi Akanda Pritty and Mst Sagorika at the beginning of the second half and then introduced Shaheda Akter Ripa and Tahura Khatun. The changes paid off as Pritty restored Bangladesh’s lead in the 64th minute, tapping in from close range after Maldives goalkeeper Fathimath Sausan failed to hold onto another dangerous cross from Ritu Porna.

Ritu Porna capped off an impressive display when her stoppage-time corner was headed home by Kisku to seal Bangladesh’s emphatic victory.