India beat Bangladesh 3-1 to clinch sixth SAFF women’s title

India players celebrate with the SAFF cup in Margao on Saturday

India powered their way to their sixth SAFF Women's Championship title by beating two-time champions Bangladesh 3-1 in a hard-fought match at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium on Saturday evening.

It was a game that was fast-paced and kept the fans on the edge of their seats for most part of the 90 minutes.

However, the Indian forward line seemed to wake up with two quick attacks. Manisha Kalyan's strong right-footed strike in the 37th minute was thwarted expertly by Mile Akter, the Bangladesh goalkeeper, but the same goalkeeper was all at sea in the 41st minute, when right winger Pyari Xaxa latched on to a superb cross from the left flank to lob a high ball in the corner of the net for India's first goal.

However, the speedy Bangladesh left-winger, Ritu Porna Chakma raced past the left flank to shoot and beat a diving Indian goalkeeper Panthoi at the fag end of the first half to equalise.

Sanfida Nongrum headed in India's second goal in the 47th minute off a very accurate cross in the box.

India brought on striker Lynda Kom in the 70th minute with a clear intent of going ahead. It paid rich dividends in the 81st minute when the striker sped past a baffled Bangladesh defence and shot in India's third goal and confirm victory.