SAFF Womens Championship: India Lose To Nepal In Semi-Final Clash

• Image Credit: Internet

• Sep 17, 2022 | Sourav Boruah

 Nepal took the lead in first-half injury time when Preeti Rai crossed to Rashmi Ghishing's foot, who twisted and blasted into the bottom corner.

Digital Desk: On Friday, India was eliminated from the SAFF Women's Championship after falling 0-1 to hosts Nepal in the semifinals at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu. This is the first time the Indian football team has been eliminated in the tournament's semifinals. 

Rashmi Kumari Ghishing scored the game's only goal as the hosts eked out a win on a muddy pitch.

The hosts got off to a fast start, attacking down the left flank on several occasions in the first few minutes. Indian defenders Sweety Devi and Manisa Panna, on the other hand, remained alert to the danger and thwarted the hosts' attacks.

Renu had India's first real chance of the match when she darted into the opposition box in the 12th minute, but Nepal's captain and goalkeeper Anjila Subba came off her line to clear it away.

Sandhiya Ranganathan became more active down the right wing as the half-hour mark approached. On the 22nd, she orchestrated an attack, passing it to Ratanbala Devi, who squared it to Priyangka Devi, who was eventually dispossessed inside the box.

Sandhiya later sent in another cross for Renu, who attempted to curl it into the far post, but her effort was saved. Renu's contribution proved to be her final meaningful contribution, as India head coach Suren Chettri quickly took her off the field, bringing Soumya Guguloth on with minutes remaining until halftime.

However, Nepal took the lead in injury time of the first half, when Preeti Rai sent a cross to Rashmi Ghishing's feet, who turned and fired into the bottom corner.

After taking the lead, Nepal came out firing in the second half, with Anita Basnet and Rashmi Ghishing orchestrating attacks for the home team, prompting Suren Chettri to make an attacking substitution, bringing on striker Apurna Narzary in place of midfielder Priyangka Devi.

However, Nepal took the lead in injury time of the first half, when Preeti Rai sent a cross to Rashmi Ghishing's feet, who turned and fired into the bottom corner.

After taking the lead, Nepal came out firing in the second half, with Anita Basnet and Rashmi Ghishing orchestrating attacks for the home team, prompting Suren Chettri to make an attacking substitution, bringing on striker Apurna Narzary in place of midfielder Priyangka Devi.

Ashalata Devi took control of the set-pieces, hoping to feed them to her teammates, but the Nepal defence stood firm.

Soumya had one last chance for India with just minutes remaining when Apurna played her through behind the defence. The former darted into the box, but an oncoming defender swept the ball off her feet before she could shoot.