SAFF UNDER-15 WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL BANGLADESH FACE INDIA

Bangladesh Under-15 team defender Akhi Khatun (L) celebrates one her two goals against Bhutan during their SAFF Under-15 Women’s Championship match at the Birshreshtha Shaheed Mustafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur on Tuesday. — New Age photo

Hosts Bangladesh will face India in the final of the inaugural SAFF Under-15 Women’s Championship after winning their respective matches against Bhutan and Nepal at the Birshreshtha Shaheed Mustafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur on Tuesday.

Both the teams will face each other in their last round robin

league on Thursday but Bangladesh’s 3-0 win over Bhutan and India’s 10-0 thumping of Nepal were enough to book their places in the final.

Akhi Khatun was the star of Bangladesh against Bhutan as the big Bangladeshi defender scored a brace to guide her team in the final while super-sub Sajeda Khatun netted the other goal.

Bangladesh, who thrashed Nepal 6-0 in the opening match, dominated the match with series of attacks and better ball possessions.

However, Bhutan, who started the campaign with a 0-3 defeat against India, parked the bus to restrict Bangladesh’s attack as most of the time all of their 10 players were busy in defending at their own half.

Akhi gave the home side a deserving lead in the 12th minute capitalising on her height, the defender headed home following a corner of Marzia from the left-flag.

Bangladesh could double the lead in the 37th minute when Anuching Mogini saw her shot on a rebound hit the side post after Bhutan goalkeeper Karma Yuden punched away Marzia’s initial attempt.

Akhi doubled the lead with a great finish in the 55th minute when her left-footed volley hit the top of the net following a low corner of Marzia from right flag.

Sajeda Khatun, who came off the bench to replace Tohura Khatun at the hour mark, completed the rout in the 80th minute with a tap in past Bhutan keeper.

Bangladesh head coach Golam Rabbani Choton was satisfied with the performance of his charges.

‘Bhutan played negative football which was why we struggled to find the target, but it was really brilliant the way the girls played Yesterday  [Tuesday],’ said Choton,

The coach also heaped praise on defender Akhi for her versatility.

‘She [Akhi] scored two fantastic goals despite being a defender. She proved her worth and I believe she will deliver more in future.’ said Choton.

Akhi, a girl from Sirajganj, believed this performance would help her playing better in the rest of the tournament.

‘This is the first time I scored a pair of goals.

Scoring as a defender is always pleasing to me,’ said Akhi.

‘But I think the win is more important than my performance and I will try my best to keep my form in the next matches.’

Meanwhile, Prianka Devi and Sunita Munda each bagged a hat-trick while Lynda Kom scored a brace and Synthia and Anay Bayi netter one goal each as India sunk Nepal by 10-0.

NEWS SOURCE : NEW AGE