By Sachit Subba • Football • May 31, 2026 16:51 PM • 22 views
MADGAON, India — A major showdown is set for the SAFF Women’s Championship semifinals as Nepal and Bangladesh are scheduled to meet early, setting the stage for a story of redemption.
The high-stakes matchup was confirmed on Sunday evening after Bangladesh’s 3-0 defeat to hosts India at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Madgaon. Earlier in the group stage, India had decimated the Maldives 11-0. Bangladesh began their campaign with a 4-2 win over the Maldives, before facing India. With these results, India secured the top spot in Group B, while Bangladesh finished as runners-up. Now, Bangladesh will meet Group A winners Nepal in the first semifinal, and India will face Group A runners-up Bhutan in the second. Both semifinal fixtures will take place on Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, Nepal cemented their place at the summit of Group A with a gritty 2-0 victory over Sri Lanka. The afternoon belonged to veteran midfielder Renuka Nagarkote, who celebrated her 62nd international cap in historic fashion. She led the team with the captain's armband and orchestrated the game. In the 60th minute, she fulfilled a lifelong dream. Nagarkote, widely regarded as one of Nepal's finest playmakers, spotted the Sri Lankan goalkeeper off her line. She unleashed a sublime, audacious 22-yard chip into the net. The insurance goal doubled Nepal’s lead after Rashmi Kumari Ghising scored deep into first-half stoppage time. Ghising is Nagarkote’s domestic teammate at the Armed Police Force (APF) Club.
The upcoming semifinal brings great historical weight and fierce competition. Nepal and Bangladesh met in the finals of the last two tournaments. Bangladesh agonisingly denied Nepal the regional crown both times. A twist of tournament mathematics means these rivals meet in the semifinals this year, not the final. For Nepal, Wednesday’s match offers a golden, early chance for revenge. They can try to dethrone the champions and exorcise their past heartbreaks.
