Dhaka, December 4: Bangladesh’s brilliant run in the SAFF women’s championship came to an end with 3-1 defeat in the final match.

India went on to retain its title became South Asian champions for the fourth time.

Comprising mostly of a fine crop of U-16 players, the Bangladesh team still made history. This was the first time that the Red and Greens became runners up after a feisty match that the team management had promised before the match.

Bangladesh goalie Sabina Akter was beaten for the first time in the tournament as Indian midfielder Dangmei Grace broke through the defences in the 12th minute.

Sirat Jahan Shopna, who scored a hat-trick in the semi final, equalised in the 38th minute and the game remained tied 1-1 at half time.

The young Bangladesh squad with 15 of its 20 players from U-16 side could not cope up with the experience of their Indian opponents as they conceded in the 62nd minute. Sasmita Malik put her team ahead scoring from a penalty.

India put the last nail in Bangladesh’s coffin in the 66th minute as Indumathi enhanced the margin 3-1.

Bangladesh girls fought well in the last 20 minutes but simply could not find the net. The same team, however, had held India to a goalless draw in the group stage of the tournament and advanced to semis as group champions topping the champions which had raised hopes for Bangladesh significantly.

Maldives were thrashed 6-0 in the semis and the young Bangladesh side were expecting an upset in the final.

While the girls come back with what they are considering nothing more than a consolation prize, there is little doubt that this fine crop of youngsters have much to look forward to.

The Bangladesh women’s team is set to return on Jan 5, this time without the trophy.