Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 in the first semifinal of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa on Wednesday to enter the summit clash.
The Bengal Tigresses will meet the winner of India vs Bhutan, the second semifinal which will kick off later in the day.
It was Sagorika who scored a stoppage-time winner to get her side to a third consecutive final in this tournament.
Bangladesh has won the last two editions which took place in 2022 and 2024, and is in search for a third-straight title.
It was Nepal which started on the front foot with the Bangladesh backline having a jittery start to the first half. Naturally, it were the Nepalese who struck the first blow through a corner routine, with Gita Rana toe-poking the loose ball over a sea of heads and into the back of the net.
AS IT HAPPENED | Nepal vs Bangladesh Highlights
Nepal dominated the ball for almost the entirety of the first period but Bangladesh seemed to turn a new leaf after head coach Peter Butler introduced a couple of changes in the 40th minute.
The Bengal Tigresses then equalised through star forward Ritu Porna Chakma, who scored an Olimpico goal, finding the back of the net straight from the corner.
The second half began on a cagey note and the deadlock remained through a 45-minute period which saw tired legs take over proceedings, and a number of changes being made in both camps.
It looked like the contest would be heading into extra time but substitute Sagorika turned in Shamsunnahar Jr.’s pass, while staving off a couple of Nepal players, to score a late winner and booking Bangladesh’s berth in the June 6 final.
Published on Jun 03, 2026
