Bangladesh storm into SAFF final

Defending champions Bangladesh stormed into the final of the SAFF Women's Championship thrashing Bhutan by 7-1 goals in the first semifinal held at Dasharath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal on Sunday. Bangladesh will now play the final match against the second semifinalist either India or host Nepal. The final match will be held on October 30 at the same venue.

Thanks to striker Tohura Khatun for her brilliant hat-trick that led Bangladesh towards the final. Apart from Tohura's hat-trick with three goals, Sabina Khatun scored a brace while Ritu Porna Chaka and Masura Parvin supported them with a lone goal each for Bangladesh in the one-sided affairs. 

Bangladesh found the net early in the 7th minute. Taking a shot pass from Tohura Khatun, Ritu Porna Chaka sent the ball to the net with a fierce left footer shot from outside the D box. Bhutan custodian Sangita Mongar failed to grip the ball despite diving her left.  Forward Tohura Khatun, who played a major role behind the victory of Bangladesh against India match, doubled the lead in the 15th minute.

After receiving a cross from Sheuli Azim from the right wing, Tohura took a left footer shot from the top of the box giving no chance to Bhutan custodian Sangita Mongar under the bar. Bangladesh was deprived from the third goal in the 24th minute when skipper Sabina Khatun's left footer angular shot from close range returned to play after hitting the right sidebar. 

Sabina however did not miss her second attempt in the 26th minute. Monika Chaka provided a shot cross to onrushing Sabina who placed the ball to the net from the close range making the score line 3-0. Tohura scored her scored and fourth goal for Bangladesh in the 35th minute. After receiving a long pass from midfield Ritu Porna, Tohura sends the ball to the net with a left footer shot from the top of the box after dodging past a Bhutanese defender.

Sabina made the score line 5-0 in the 37th minute with a placing shot after dodging past Bhutanese custodian Sangita who came forward to clear the ball. Deki Lhazom pulled one back for Bhutan in the 41st minute.  After back with a healthy 5-1 goal lead, Bangladesh continued their onslaught and added two more goals in the second half.

Tohura completed her hat-trick scoring the sixth goal for Bangladesh in the 56th minute from inside the D box after taking a shot pass from Monika. Masura Parvin joined the party scoring the seventh goal in the 71st minute with a header from close range after capitalizing on a corner from left wing.

Bhutan however tried their best to reduce the margin but they could not convert any goal in the remaining proceeding. Tohura was named the player of the match for her impressive performance. Earlier, Bangladesh made one change in their starting eleven against Bhutan.

Striker Mosammat Sagorika has been included in the squad in replace of Shamsunnahar Jr. who played the last match against India. Bangladesh XI - Rupna Chakma, Sabina Khatun, Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnahar Sr., Afeida Khandaker, Monika Chakma, Tohura Khatun, Ritu Porna Chakma, Mst Sagoria, Masura Parvin and Maria Manda.