Dhaka, December 31: Bangladesh emerged as the champions of group B in the SAFF Women's Championship forcing the hosts India to a goalless draw at the Kanchenjunga Stadium Siliguri on Saturday.
The red and greens secured the semifinal spot in the first match beating Afghanistan 6-0 where skipper Sabina netted five goals.
This is the first time the national side manages to hold back India as they lost every game in previous six meetings.
A better goal average saw Bangladesh topple India at the top of group as the hosts defeated the Afghan side 5-1.
Bangladesh will take on Maldives in the second semifinal on Monday (Jan 2) while India will lock horns with Nepal in the first semifinal on the same day.
In a post match reaction, Head Coach Choton said that all the girls played as per his instruction and fulfilled the target to reach the semifinal as group champions.
"This is my highest achievement as the coach of the senior women’s national football team. Me and my girls will continue to give our 100 percent in the upcoming matches," he said.
Goalkeeper Sabina Akter said, "We proved that we are the best team in the group by becoming group champions. However, as I said earlier, we haven't achieved anything yet. Out next target is reaching the final."
She also thanked everyone, including her teammates, for their tremendous support.
In a brief reaction, skipper Sabina Khatun said that she is very happy with the result but wants to keep her focus to reach the final.
Praising the Bengal girls' performance, Indian coach Sajid Yusuf Dhar said, "Bangladesh played a fantastic match according to their plan. But we missed a lot of chances too."
Bangladesh have never been to the final of this tournament. In the last edition, they lost to Nepal 1-0 in the semifinal match.
Before leaving the country, both Coach Golam Rabbani Choton and captain Sabina Khatun reiterated hope to display a good show and secure a place in the semis.
That target being accomplished, Bangladesh now hope to go a few steps beyond.
The main strength of the Bangladesh squad that is now in India is the combination of experienced players and talented youths.
That strength was on show when the girls held a strong opposition in the form of India to a 0-0 draw in the semi final.
Now that India faces Nepal in the other semi-final, a new team is set to compete in the final as the 2 neighbours were the finalists of all three previous editions of the tornament.
And Bangladesh hopes that it is them who get a chance to show their metal in the grand finale.
Bangladesh currently stand 114th in the FIFA rankings while their semifinal opponent Maldives 116th.
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