Bangladesh girls finished runners-up in the Saff U-15 Women’s Championship 2019 as they lost the final to champion India 5-3 in the tiebreaker after the stipulated time ended goalless at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan Tuesday.
It was the second consecutive title for India in the competition after they edged Bangladesh 1-0 in the final of the 2018 edition.
Bangladesh were the champion of the debut edition in 2017.
Although the normal time ended goalless, both sides exhibited some promising build-ups and runs without creating much notable chances, except Rojina Akter’s close attempt in the second half.
Bangladesh head coach Golam Rabbani Choton made four changes from the previous game against the same opponent in the last match of the group stage with defender Unnoti Khatun, midfielder Sohagi Kisku and forwards Rehena Akter and Rojina returning to the starting XI.
India, who also made five alterations to their best XI, began the game brightly and initiated a couple of attacks in the Bangladesh terrain within the quarter-hour mark but couldn’t create any chances from those.
A fine through from Rojina provided Bangladesh their best chance in the 19th minute but Indian goalkeeper Adrija Sarkhel ran out of the box to clear the threat before Shaheda Akter Ripa could reach the ball.
#Bangladesh girls draw #India in final rehearsal https://t.co/iR1DtedVX5
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) October 13, 2019
After the first half ended goalless, Ripa had another opportunity only a minute after the break when Adrija dropped a Rojina cross for a moment with Ripa standing close, but the latter couldn’t grab the opportunity.
The game was stopped for around 20 minutes due to power cut and seven minutes after the return of flood lights, left winger Rojina had a great chance to open the scoring.
After receiving a long ball brilliantly, Rojina’s right-footed attempt from the top of the box was blocked by the onrushing keeper.
The game rolled onto the penalty shootout after the stipulated 90 minutes ended goalless.
Captain Shamsunnahar missed Bangladesh’s first penalty, hitting the bar, while India converted all their five chances.
Rojina and Nasrin Akter converted Bangladesh’s other two penalties.
Bangladesh XI: Rupna Chakma; Nasrin Akter, Unnoti Khatun, Afeida Khandakar, Surma Jannat; Sohagi Kisku, Shamsunnahar, Sapna Rani (Brishty Jahan), Rehena Akter, Rojina Akter; Shaheda Akter Ripa.
RESULT
Bangladesh U-15 0 0 India U-15
India won 5-3 on penalties
