SAFF Women’s Championship 2026:
Heartbreak for Nepal as Bangladesh Clinches Late 2-1 Win Amid Injury Blow
June 3, 2026
Bivek Tamang
KATHMANDU — Nepal suffered a devastating 2-1
defeat against Bangladesh in their recent SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 encounter. What began as
a highly promising performance for the home side ended in late heartbreak and a severe injury to defender Bimala BK.
Dominant First Half
Nepal rolled out in an aggressive 4-3-3 formation, standing in stark contrast to
Bangladesh's structured 4-4-2 lineup. Preeti Rai made her way into the starting XI, injecting immediate energy
into the midfield.Nepal started with a formidable squad including skipper Anjila Tumbapo Subba, Gita Rana, and Rekha Poudel.
For the first 45 minutes, Nepal looked completely in control, playing fluid, free-flowing, and beautiful football.
The defensive line held firm, limiting Bangladesh's chances. Bangladesh's only notable threat came late in the first half in
the 44th minute, courtesy of a free kick awarded after a foul by Saru Limbu, but it failed to yield results.
Nepal's attacking intent was visible early on. In the 21st minute, Deepa Shahi
delivered a precise corner kick, which Gita Rana brilliantly lofted back into the danger zone, though the half concluded
with Nepal rueing missed opportunities to convert dominance into goals. In the additional time in 46th minute, Bangladesh's
Ritu Pourna stunned the defense by scoring directly from a corner kick, catching the skipper totally off guard and leveling the playing field at 1-1.
The Second Half Shift
Following the equalizer, Bangladesh emerged as a far more organized unit. They played with immense intensity, pressing hard to find a
winning goal. Hoping to break the deadlock and refresh the frontline,
Nepal substituted Meena Deuba in for Rekha Poudel in the 65th minute. Despite creating chances—racking up 14 total shots
and 7 shots on target over the course of the match, Nepal could not find the finishing touch.
Late Drama and Injury Disaster
The final blow came deep into stoppage time. In the 93rd minute, a critical miscommunication in the air between Samikshya Ghimire
and Bimala BK occurred while attempting to clear a high ball. The two Nepali defenders violently clashed heads, allowing Bangladesh’s
Sagorika M. to pounce on the loose ball and tap in the easy match-winner, making it 2-1.
The collision left a devastating impact on Bimala BK, who suffered a broken nasal bone and a fractured nasal passage. Medical staff
confirmed that surgery will be required for her recovery.
Despite holding 53% possession and out-shooting their opponents, defensive lapses and an unfortunate injury saw Nepal
walk away empty-handed in a match they initially controlled.
Official Match Statistics (Full Time)
| Match Stats |
Bangladesh |
Nepal |
| Ball Possession % |
47% |
53% |
| Attempts |
10 |
14 |
| Shots on Target |
6 |
7 |
| Corners |
7 |
6 |
Man of the match
Ritu Pourna Chakma was named Man of the Match
