Bangladesh storm into final as Sabina slams hat-trick

NEWS DESK

Skipper Sabina Khatun continued her prolific form by scoring the second hat-trick in the ongoing tournament as Bangladesh stormed into the final of the 6th edition of the SAFF Women’s Championship, crushing Bhutan by 8-0 goals in the first semi-final held today (Friday, Sept 16, 2022) at Dasharath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu.
 
Bangladesh will play the final match against the day’s second semifinal winners, either defending champions India or host Nepal, on Monday (Sept. 19, 2022) at the same venue.
 
It’s the second time Bangladesh reached the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship. The Golam Rabbani Chotan’s team earlier reached the final of the championship held in India in 2016.
 
Bangladesh had the early impetus as striker Sirat Jahan Shopna gave Bangladesh a deserving lead in the very 2nd minute of the match. She received a pass from midfield following a counter attack and executed it after dodging past Bhutan custodian Songita, who came to clear the ball.
 
Skipper Sabina, who scored the first hat-trick against Pakistan in the group phase engagement, doubled the lead in the 18th minute as she darted into the Bhutan box from the right flank and sent the ball to the net with an angular shot after finding the Bhutan custodian alone under the bar.
 
Krishna Rani Sarkar further widened the team’s margin with a header from close range off a cross by Rituporna in the 30th minute of the match. 
Substitute Rituporna Chakma joined the party, scoring the fourth goal for Bangladesh in the 35th minute of the match. 
 
With a 4-0 lead, Bangladesh continued their onslaught after the restart, scoring four more goals in the remaining proceedings.

Sabina made the score line 5-0 in the 53rd minute off a cross from Krisna Rani, while Masura Parvin scored the sixth goal for Bangladesh in the 56th minute with a gentle tap as Bhutanese custodian Sangita failed to grip the ball following an attempt by Sabina from outside the box.
 
Substitute Tohura Khatun scored the seventh goal for Bangladesh in the 87th minute, while Sabina completed her hat-trick by scoring the eighth goal for Bangladesh in the 90+3rd minute of the match.
 
Bangladesh had previously blanked the Maldives 3-0 in their opening group match, thrashed Pakistan 6-0 in their second match, and defeated defending champions India 3-0 in their final group match.

Bhutan lost 0-4 to Nepal in their first group match, but bounced back to defeat Sri Lanka 5-0 in their second match of the tournament.

Bangladesh women’s team: Rupna Chakma, Etie Rani, Sathi Biswas, Masura Parvin, Mossammat Akhi Khatun, Shamsunnahar, Sheuli Azim, Nilufa Yesmin Nila, Anai Mogini, Maria Manda (vice-captain), Monika Chakma, Shamsunnahar, Sohagi Kisku, Sapna Rani, Ritu Porna Chakma, Sanjida Akhter, Marzia, Sabina Khatun (captain), Srimoti Krishnarani Sarkar, Mosammat Sirat Jahan Shopna, Tohura Khatun, Anuching Mogini and Sajeda Khatun.