Bangladesh lose 3-0 to India; Nepal await in semis

The storied rivalry between Bangladesh and India added another chapter on Sunday as defending champions Bangladesh suffered a 3-0 defeat to hosts India in the final Group B match of the SAFF Women's Championship at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Sunday.

The result ended Bangladesh's recent dominance over their neighbours, having beaten India in their previous two group-stage meetings in the regional championship. Yet despite the disappointment, the bigger picture remained bright as Bangladesh advanced to the semifinals as Group B runners-up.

India took the lead in the 36th minute when Pyari Xaxa capitalised on a miscued header from defender Kohati Kisku to put the hosts ahead. Bangladesh struggled to contain an energetic Indian side in the first half, with the hosts enjoying the upper hand for long periods.

After the break, Bangladesh came out with greater attacking intent and pushed forward in search of an equaliser. However, they were unable to breach the Indian defence and suffered another setback in the 73rd minute when substitute Lynda Kom Setro converted from the penalty spot after Surma Jannat fouled substitute Malavika inside the box.

Despite the defeat, Bangladesh's campaign remains on track as they now prepare for a semifinal showdown against Group A champions Nepal -- a side they defeated in two previous finals to establish their regional supremacy.