Forward Tohura Khatun smashed a hat-trick while captain Sabina Khatun scored twice as defending champions Bangladesh stormed into the final of the SAFF Women鈥檚 Championship 2024 with a thumping 7-1 win over Bhutan in the semi-final in Kathmandu on Sunday.
Forward Ritu Porna Chakma and defender Sheuli Azim got the other two goals for Peter Butler鈥檚 charges. 聽
Deki Lhazom scored a consolation goal in the 41st for Bhutan as Bangladesh went to the break with a 5-1 lead at the Dasharath Stadium. It was also Lhazom鈥檚 eighth goal in five matches.
Bangladesh will face the winners of the second semi-final between five-time champions India or Nepal in the final at the same venue on Wednesday.
Bangladesh also prevailed over Bhutan in the 2022 edition鈥檚 semi-final when they beat them 8-0 before beating Nepal 3-1 in the final to clinch the championship for the first time.聽
Butler鈥檚 charges showcased their attacking prowess throughout the match, overwhelming their opponents from the outset as Ritu Porna opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a powerful shot from outside the box after receiving a pass from Tohura Khatun.
Even after taking the lead, the momentum did not falter as Bangladesh continued to press forward.
Tohura doubled the lead with a beautifully controlled dribble followed by a stunning shot from outside the penalty area in the 15th minute. Sabina then made it 3-0 in the 26th minute, deftly converting a cross from the right.聽
Tohura scored her second goal nine minutes later with another drive from distance.
Sabina wasn鈥檛 finished yet, as she found the net for the second time in the 37th minute, taking the ball from midfield, outfoxing the goalkeeper, and slotting it home.聽
The second half saw Bangladesh maintain their control, though they exhibited signs of slowing down.
However, Tohura completed her treble in the 58th minute with a clever chip after receiving the ball from Monica Chakma.
Sheuli completed the rout in the 72nd minute with a powerful header from a corner taken by substitute forward Sanjida Khatun.
