Women ensure semis spot
Bangladesh moved into the semifinals of the 3rd SAFF Women's Championship with a convincing 3-1 win over Maldives in their last match of Group A at the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad, Pakistan yesterday.
The second win in three means Bangladesh finished runners-up in the group behind India and will be taking on two-time runners-up Nepal in the second semifinal on Wednesday.
It is the second time that Bangladesh advanced to the last four since their qualification for the last four in the inaugural edition held in Bangladesh in 2010. Bangladesh, however, failed to make it to the final after suffering a 0-3 defeat to Nepal in the semifinal.
Following their 6-1 win over Afghanistan and a 1-5 defeat to India, Bangladesh needed only a draw against Maldives to confirm their semifinal berth but they put up a commanding performance to ensure their semifinal berth.
Mainu Pru Marma put Bangladesh ahead in the 18th minute before Sabina Khatun doubled the lead in the 35th minute. Maldives pulled one back through Aishath Sama in the 84th minute before Sabina struck her fourth goal in the tournament three minutes before the end.
Two-time defending champions India emerged group champions after a 12-0 drubbing of Afghanistan in their last match yesterday. India will take on Sri Lanka in the first semifinal on Wednesday.
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