Nepal won their second group stage match of the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship by defeating Bhutan 2-1 at Pokhara Stadium on Monday.

With the win, Nepal kept their hope for the final alive in the tournament between four teams, which includes India and Bangladesh. Played in a single round-robin format with the top two teams entering the final, Nepal are placed second on the table after the win over Bhutan.

Srijana Baduwal scored the first goal for Nepal with a long ranger from around 22 yards in the 36th minute. Prajita Rai scored the second in the 69th minute. Nepal had chances to score more.

On the other hand, Bhutan, who lost 0-12 to Bangladesh in the tournament opener on January 31, showed signs of a comeback with a Sonam Choden goal in the 87th minute. But Bhutan could not get the equaliser in the six minutes of added time.

Meanwhile, India, who had defeated Nepal 0-1 on January 31, lost 0-2 to Bangladesh in the first match on Monday.

Skipper Arpita Biswas Arpita gave the lead to Bangladesh in the 29th minute. Alpi Akter then made it 2-0 five minutes before the first half regulation time ended.

India, who had come with their U17 team, managed to keep Bangladesh from scoring further in the second half.

Wednesday’s fixtures to decide finalists

Bangladesh are now most likely one of the two finalists. Bangladesh stand at the top of the table with six points from two matches, that too with a goal difference of 14.

They are followed by Nepal with three points from two matches. Nepal are above India, who also have three points from two games, on goal difference. Nepal’s goal difference is 0, while India have -1.

Bhutan, on the other hand, have no chance for the final after two consecutive losses.

Bangladesh’s chance for the final could end if Nepal manage to defeat them with a goal difference of 14 or more. But with only a win, Nepal’s chance for the final will be alive.

Meanwhile, if India defeat Bhutan and best Nepal on goal difference, Nepal will crash out.