Dhaka: As expected, defending champions Bangladesh once again triumphed over Sri Lanka with a 5-0 victory in their return match of the four-nation South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-20 Women's Championship. The match took place at the Bashundhara Kings practice ground -2 in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, in the match, Puja Das impressively scored twice during the 45+2nd and 74th minutes. She was supported by her teammates Kanon Bahadur, Trishna Rani, and captain Afeida Khandaker, who each added a goal for Bangladesh in the 26th, 86th, and 90+7th minutes, respectively.
With this victory, the hosts continue to dominate the league, maintaining an unbeaten record with 15 points from five matches. Sri Lanka, however, has yet to score any points, having played the same number of matches. Bangladesh had previously delivered decisive wins, defeating Sri Lanka 9-1, narrowly beating Nepal 3-2, and securing victories over Bhutan with scores of 4-1 and 3-0 in their encounters.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has struggled throughout the tournament, suffering heavy losses including a 9-1 defeat to Bangladesh, a 5-0 loss to Bhutan, and 7-0 defeats to Nepal in both of their matches.
Looking ahead, Bangladesh will face Nepal in their final match on Monday, July 21. The tournament features four teams-Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka-competing in its 6th edition. The team finishing at the top of the league table after a double round-robin format will be crowned champion.
The Bangladesh squad for the tournament includes Swarna Rani Mandal, Nabiran Khatun, Mst Joynob Bibi Rita, captain Afeida Khandaker, Mst Surma Jannat, Kanon Rani Bahadur, Sapna Rani, Mst Oeyshi Khatun, Sree Moti Trishna Rani, Mst Sagorika, Umehla Marma, Ayonto Bala Mahato, Rupa Akter, Mst Bonna Khatun, Most Munki Akhter, Kanom Akter, Mst Ruma Akter, Puja Das, Sinha Jahan Shikha, Shanti Mardi, Nadia Akter Juti, Mile Akter, and Mst Fardosi Akter Shonale.