Bangladesh’s U-17 girls have kept their dream alive at the SAFF Women’s Championship, brushing aside Nepal 4-1 in Thimphu on Wednesday.
The star of the match was Sauravi Akand, who scored a hat-trick to drag her side back into contention.
Bangladesh went into the match knowing anything less than victory would all but end their campaign. The first half was nervy until Thwinu Marma broke through in the 38th minute with a fine solo effort.
Just before the break, Sauravi added a second, only for Nepal captain Bhumika to pull one back in stoppage time after a defensive lapse.
The second half belonged to Bangladesh. They tightened up at the back and piled on the pressure.
After missing one clear chance, Sauravi made amends in the 71st minute, finishing off a corner to restore the two-goal cushion. She wasn’t done yet — in the 86th minute, she completed her treble to seal the result.
With six points from three games, Bangladesh now trail only India, who remain perfect at the top of the table. To keep the title race alive, the young Tigresses must win their remaining matches, including the decisive clash with India in the final round.
