Nepal failed in their ambition of winning maiden SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship after they succumbed to a 3-0 defeat against hosts Bangladesh in the final at BSSS Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Thursday.

Shaheda Akter Ripa and captain Shamsunnahar struck twice in the space of five minutes late in the first half, capitalising on a defensive error of Nepal. Substitute Unnoti Khatun sealed the victory with a third goal deep into the second half.

The victory also stamped the hosts’ authority over Nepal as they defeated the same opponents second time in the tournament following a 3-1 group stage defeat on February 3.

Nepal, appearing in the tournament for the fourth time, came into the game hoping to lift the first ever silverware in the age group tournament. They were also limited to second place finish during the first edition in 2018 (played as SAFF U-18 then), going down 1-0 to Bangladesh in Bhutan.

Bangladesh have now won the tournament for the third time with their last title celebration in 2021 (played as SAFF U-19 then) at the same venue when they overcame India 1-0.

Bangladesh started as a better side in the tournament with swift passes, dominating ball possessions and creating frequent chances. But Nepal rarely created threatening moves.

Bangladesh, the two-time champions, deservedly took the lead in the 42nd minute after Ripa collected a poor clearance by Kumari Tamang just outside the area and slammed at the far post to the delight of local supporters.

They doubled the tally in the first minute of the first half stoppage time again in similar fashion; this time, defender Pratiksha Chaudhary failed to connect the ball properly in her bid to stop a strike by the Bangladesh defender. Captain Shamsunnahar found the ball inside the area and swiftly slotted home a low ball to beat goalie Kabita BK.

Substitute Unnoti Khatun turned in Aklima Khatun’s curling freekick with a volley taken exactly from the right edge of the area to hammer the final nail.

Nepal women’s senior national team had also lost against Bangladesh 3-1 in the SAFF Championship final at the Dasharath Stadium last year.