India crashed out of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 after losing to Nepal 2-4 in penalty shoot-out in the semi-finals played at the Dasharath Stadium on Sunday.
In Regulation time the match finished at 1-1. There was lot of drama happened during the regulation time.
India took the lead through Sangita Basfore in 62′. However, Nepal scored an equalizer that was denied by the referee, as Indian players went near the bench to celebrate the goal, Nepal did the “restart” and put the ball into an open Indian net, the match was held up for more than 70 minutes as the host side refused to continue protesting the referee’s decision.
Once the match resumed, the Blue Tigresses lost their rhythm and soon conceded the goal, Sabitra Bhandari equalized in 66′ for the hosts.
In penalty shoot-out, Ashalata Devi and Ranjana Chanu missed while Manisha and Karishma Shirvoikar was on target.
After winning the first five editions, India lost in semi-final for second consecutive time. The scenario is same – lost to Bangladesh in Group Stage and then in Semi-final losing to Nepal.
India Starting XI:
Panthoi Chanu, W Linthoingambi Devi, Juli Kishan, Ashalata Devi, Sanju, Ranjana Chanu, Aruna Bag, Grace Dangmei, Manisha, Bala Devi, Jyoti
Picture Courtesy: AIFF Media
