Bangladesh fight back to secure final spot

Bangladesh scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner as defending champions came from behind to beat Nepal 2-1 in a keenly-contested SAFF Women's Championship semifinal on Wednesday, securing a third consecutive appearance in the tournament final.

Substitute forward Mosammat Sagorika's flick following a low cross from Shamsunnahar Jr in the third minute of stoppage time deflected into the net off Nepal's Preety Rai at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margaon, capping a spirited Bangladesh comeback after a sluggish start had left them trailing.

Despite another below-par display, Peter Butler's side found a way to prevail and keep alive their hopes of a third straight SAFF title.

Nepal took the lead in the 22nd minute through Gita Rana after Bangladesh struggled to impose themselves in the opening stages.

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However, Ritu Porna Chakma restored parity on the stroke of halftime with a stunning Olympic goal, curling a corner directly into the net in stoppage-time to breathe life into Bangladesh's performance.

As the match appeared destined for extra time, Bangladesh found the decisive breakthrough. Sagorika, who had replaced Anika Siddiqui in the 71st minute, was in the right place after fellow substitute Shamsunnahar Jr burst into the box from the right flank and squared the ball across goal following a well-timed through pass. Sagorika's flick brushed Preety and nestled into the net as Bangladesh team erupted in celebration.

The victory sends Bangladesh into the June 6 final, where they will face the winners of Wednesday's second semifinal between India and Bhutan.

It was also Bangladesh's third consecutive victory over Nepal in the SAFF Women's Championship, having beaten them in the finals of the previous two editions.