India crushes Bangladesh`s SAFF title dream for third time

Bangladesh's bid for a third consecutive SAFF Women's Championship title came to an end as India secured a 3-1 victory in the final in Goa to lift their sixth regional crown.

India outclassed Bangladesh in the final, with defensive lapses and goalkeeping errors proving costly for the defending champions. The defeat ended Bangladesh's hopes of winning a third straight SAFF title.

India took the lead in the 42nd minute through Pyari Xaxa after Bangladesh goalkeeper Mili Akter misjudged a routine attacking move. However, Bangladesh responded in first-half stoppage time when Rituparna Chakma produced a clinical finish to level the score at 1-1.

The match turned in India's favour early in the second half as Sanfida restored the lead in the 49th minute with a header from a corner kick. Bangladesh struggled to create meaningful chances thereafter despite relying heavily on Rituparna for inspiration.

India sealed the victory in the 82nd minute when a defensive error by Afida Khandaker allowed an Indian attacker to set up a teammate, who scored the decisive third goal.

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Having lost 3-0 to India in the group stage, Bangladesh once again found themselves second best against their rivals, while India celebrated a record-extending sixth SAFF Women's Championship title.