In a gripping encounter at the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024, India succumbed to a 1-3 defeat against Bangladesh, finishing as the runners-up in Group A.
Despite having already secured a spot in the semi-finals, India couldn’t unlock the puzzle posed by their eastern neighbours at the Dasharath Stadium on October 23, 2024. Bangladesh, buoyed by a commanding first-half performance, ended India’s group stage journey with a hard-fought victory, marking another chapter in the evolving rivalry between the two nations.
First-Half Domination by Bangladesh
The opening 30 minutes proved decisive as Bangladesh took firm control of the game. Dominating midfield play early on, Bangladesh struck twice in quick succession. Afeida Khandaker broke the deadlock in the 18th minute, capitalizing on a corner with a looping shot that sailed over Indian goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu. The relentless pressure from Bangladesh paid off again when Tohura Khatun, the standout performer of the match, doubled the lead in the 29th minute, calmly slotting in a lobbed ball from the left wing.
India, visibly shaken by the two-goal deficit, struggled to regain composure. Their troubles were compounded when midfielder Anju Tamang was forced off with an injury in the 27th minute, denting the Blue Tigresses’ already frail attack. Aruna Bag came on as a substitute, but the disruption impacted India’s rhythm. Before India could regroup, Khatun added a third for Bangladesh in the 42nd minute with a powerful strike from outside the box, leaving the Indian defense scrambling.
Bala Devi’s Lone Response
Despite the uphill battle, India refused to back down. Captain Bala Devi spearheaded India’s response and managed to pull one back just before halftime. In the 44th minute, Dalima Chhibber delivered a precise cross from the right, allowing Bala to rise above the Bangladesh defense and head the ball past a helpless Rupna Chakma. The goal brought some life back into the Indian camp, but it was not enough to turn the tide of the match.
Missed Chances and Second-Half Struggles for India
India came out in the second half with renewed energy, pressing high and creating scoring opportunities. However, the Bangladesh defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Rupna Chakma, remained resolute. Chakma thwarted India’s advances time and again, most notably blocking a close-range effort from Bala Devi in the 35th minute. Ranjana Chanu’s dangerous cross from the left had set up the chance perfectly, but the Bangladesh custodian was quick off her line to deny the Indian striker.
Substitute Jyoti was introduced to add fresh legs to India’s attack, and she made an immediate impact. In the 60th minute, she unleashed a powerful shot, only for Rupna to parry it away. Moments later, Jyoti found herself with another opportunity after Rimpa Haldar’s pass, but she was marginally late in connecting with the ball, allowing the Bangladesh defense to clear the danger.
Bangladesh’s Tactical Mastery
Bangladesh’s victory was built on solid tactical discipline, especially in the first half, where they neutralized India’s offensive threats and exploited defensive gaps. The strategy of delivering dipping crosses into the Indian penalty box paid dividends for Bangladesh, with all three of their goals originating from such plays. Afeida Khandaker’s opener from a corner and Tohura Khatun’s brace exposed India’s vulnerability to aerial deliveries and long-range shots.
The absence of Anju Tamang, a key midfield orchestrator, also hampered India’s ability to link defense with attack. Bangladesh’s midfield dominance was evident in their pressing, quick passing, and ability to intercept India’s attempts at building play from the back. Despite India’s best efforts, the damage had been done in the opening 30 minutes.
A Rivalry Renewed
This was the 12th meeting between India and Bangladesh in women’s football, with India holding a dominant head-to-head record. However, this defeat marked India’s second consecutive loss to Bangladesh, having previously fallen to them in the 2022 group stage. The two nations have developed a keen rivalry in recent years, and Bangladesh’s victory in this match serves as a reminder that they are no longer the underdogs in the region.
India, having been crowned SAFF Women’s champions five times, will now look to regroup ahead of their semi-final clash. Despite the setback, the Blue Tigresses remain a formidable force, but lessons must be learned from their defensive frailties and inability to finish key chances.
Looking Ahead
India’s journey in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 is far from over. As they prepare for the semi-finals, they will need to address their defensive issues and find ways to unlock tighter defenses. The leadership of Bala Devi, the tactical adjustments from the coaching staff, and the hunger to reclaim their crown will all play crucial roles in their upcoming challenges.
For now, however, India must reflect on a match where Bangladesh’s precision and tactical prowess proved too much to handle, resulting in India finishing second in Group A.
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