SATV 22 July, Kathmandu: A stunning four-goal performance by Sagorika powered host nation Bangladesh to a 4-0 win over Nepal in the final match of the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship on Monday. The victory secured Bangladesh’s fifth title and an unbeaten run throughout the tournament.
Bangladesh dominated from the outset at Bashundhara Kings Stadium, playing aggressive football and taking control early. They earned 18 points from six straight wins and topped the table to claim the trophy.
Nepal finished second with 12 points from four wins and two defeats — both losses coming against Bangladesh, including a narrow 3-2 setback in their opening clash.
Despite an impressive showing against other sides, including two 7-0 wins over Sri Lanka and big victories over Bhutan (6-1 and 8-0), Nepal’s quest for a maiden title remains incomplete. This marks their third runners-up finish, having also lost to Bangladesh in the finals of 2018 and 2023.
Nepal entered the last fixture of the double round-robin needing a win to clinch the title, while Bangladesh needed only a draw. But the hosts took charge from kick-off, leaving Nepal on the defensive.
It was Sagorika’s night. Back in the lineup after serving a three-match suspension from a red card in the first round, she wasted no time making her impact felt. She opened the scoring in the 8th minute, rounding goalkeeper Sujata Tamang to slot home.
Her second came in the 51st minute with a calm finish from inside the box after Munki Akhtar’s delivery. She completed her hat-trick in the 58th with a well-timed volley from a long ball, and added her fourth in the 77th minute with a close-range strike.
Sagorika was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament for her heroics. Only Bangladesh and India have won the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship so far. One edition was jointly awarded. India have two titles, while Bangladesh now hold five.
Nepal’s Purnima Rai finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals. Bhutan placed third after beating Sri Lanka in both fixtures. Sri Lanka exited the competition without a win or draw.
