Sauravi Akanda Prity produced a sensational hat-trick as Bangladesh triumphed over Nepal with a 4-1 victory in their return fixture of the SAFF U-17 Women's Championship, held on Wednesday at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
In addition to Prity's three-goal heroics, Thuinuye Marma added a solitary goal for Bangladesh, who led the first half 2-1.
Nepal's only goal came through their captain, Bhumika Budathoki, who netted just before half-time.
Despite the convincing win, Bangladesh remain in second place in the points table with nine points from four matches. Nepal, meanwhile, stay on three points from the same number of games.
India continue to top the table with a perfect record, having won all three of their matches so far—one fewer than Bangladesh.
Bangladesh began the game with strong attacking intent, creating several promising chances, but struggled with finishing in the early stages.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 39th minute when Thuinuye Marma received a pass from midfield, sprinted down the right wing, and slotted home with a precise right-footed angled strike to give Bangladesh a well-deserved lead.
Their second goal followed in added time at the end of the first half (45+1'), as Sauravi Akanda Prity unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from inside the penalty area. The ball soared over the Nepalese goalkeeper and nestled in the back of the net, extending Bangladesh's lead to 2-0.
However, Nepal pulled one back just two minutes later (45+3') when Bhumika Budathoki struck a well-placed lofted shot from close range, leaving Bangladesh goalkeeper Yearzan with no chance to react.
After the interval, Bangladesh extended their lead in the 71st minute from a well-executed corner routine. Mamoni Chakma delivered a precise ball from the right flank, which found an unmarked Prity, who calmly tapped in from close range to make it 3-1.
Prity completed her hat-trick in the 87th minute, latching onto a cross from Purnima Marma, who had surged down the right wing. Prity made no mistake from close range, securing her first hat-trick of the tournament and sealing an emphatic victory for her side.
Bangladesh had opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over hosts Bhutan but suffered a 2-0 defeat to India in their second match. They bounced back strongly with a 3-0 win over Nepal in their third fixture.
Nepal, on the other hand, endured a tough start, losing 7-0 to India in their opener, before beating Bhutan 2-1. However, they failed to maintain momentum and were again defeated by Bangladesh, 3-0, in their previous encounter.
Bangladesh will play their remaining group matches against Bhutan and India on August 29 and 31 respectively, at the same venue.
