Nepal triumphed over India 4-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout to secure a place in the final of the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship, where they will face Bangladesh for the title. The final will be a repeat of the 2022 SAFF Women’s Championship, where Nepal lost 3-1 to Bangladesh.
The semi-final was an intense and hard-fought affair, lasting nearly three hours. Nepal found themselves down to 10 players after Rekha Poudel was shown a second yellow card in the 51st minute, which she vehemently protested, believing the decision was incorrect. Just moments later, India took the lead through a brilliant strike by Sangita Basfore in the 62nd minute. However, as India celebrated, Nepal’s Preeti Rai seized on a loose ball and scored into an open net. Replays showed the match official had blown the whistle for a restart, and Rai's goal was controversially ruled out, sparking protests from the Nepali players and fans.
The match was disrupted for over an hour as the situation was resolved. Once play resumed, Nepal quickly responded, with Sabitra Bhandari scoring the equalizer in the 66th minute, sending the match into extra time.
Nepal’s substitute goalkeeper, Anjana Rana Magar saved two spot kicks from India's Ashalata Devi Loitongbam and Chanu Sorokhaibam. Sabitra Bhandari, Gita Rana, Sabita Rana Magar, and Amisha Karki all converted their penalties confidently, securing Nepal’s 4-2 win in the shootout.
In the other semi-final, Bangladesh defeated Bhutan 7-1 to reach their second consecutive final. Nepal will now face the defending champions, Bangladesh, in a highly anticipated final on Wednesday.
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