SHILLONG: Hosts India romped into the final of women’s football competition at the 12th South Asian Games beating a spirited Bangladesh side 5-1 at the JN Stadium here on Saturday.
The defending champions will now face Nepal in the fight for the title.
In what was a do or die match for both nations Bangladesh needed at least a draw to qualify for the final. India, however, stepped on the gas button at the right time to ensure they sail into the final without any hitch.
It took the hosts only six minutes to take the lead with Kamala Devi collecting a rebound and smashing a low shot past Bangladesh’s custodian Mossamat Roshan Ara.
Three minutes later, Prameshwori Devi nearly made it 2-0 for India but her scorcher of a shot missed the target narrowly.
In the 9th minute, star striker Bala Devi scored off a rebound, driving a left footer past Ara o double the lead for India.
Bangladesh could have reduced the deficit in the 33rd minute through Sirat Jahan Shopna but the striker’s shot hit the cross bar. India capitalised on yet another opportunity in the 37th minute when Bala Devi assisted Kamala Devi for a gentle tap in to hand India a 3-0 lead going into the break.
Eight minutes into the second half, India’s Ashalata Devi was replaced by Radharani Devi after an on field collision with another player.
In the 65th minute, Bangladesh replied with a goal through Sabina Khatun’s header after a Bangladesh free kick to bring the game alive. Bangladesh came down hard on India midway through the second half, setting the tone for an exciting finish.
But their happiness was short-lived as India made it 4-1 in the 71st minute after substitute Sanju made a long run down the right flank and moved into the box to produce a low shot past keeper Ara.
Bangladesh’s woes continued as they conceded a fifth and final goal a minute later with Bala Devi scoring from a close range.
The Indian onslaught continued until the final whistle as they finished 5-1 to move into the tournament final against Nepal on February 15.
Speaking to reporters after the match, India coach Sajid Yusuf Dar praised his girls for the consistency they have shown in the tournament. “The girls have been playing consistently. We are pretty confident we will win the title again this time around,” Dhar added.
The coach was also quick to praise Bala Devi saying, “Bala Devi is still the best player we’ve got. I don’t think there is any comparison to Bala as a player.”
India will now face Nepal in the South Asian Games women’s football final at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong on February 15 at 4 pm. Nepal, meanwhile, beat Sri Lanka 4-0 in another match of the day. Nepal had already qualified for the final earlier.
