Bangladesh women’s football team have reached the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship for the third consecutive time after defeating Nepal 2-1 in the semi-final.

Goals from Rituparna Chakma and Sagarika secured the dramatic victory for Peter Butler’s side and kept alive Bangladesh’s hopes of defending the title once again.

Nepal took the lead in the 23rd minute when Gita Rani finished successfully from a delivery created through a corner by Deepa Shahi.

Bangladesh, however, fought back just before halftime through a moment of brilliance from Rituparna Chakma. Her stunning effort directly from a corner kick found the back of the net, bringing Bangladesh level at 1-1 before the break.

The second half saw both teams create several attacking opportunities in an entertaining contest. Nepal came close on a few occasions, while Bangladesh also threatened repeatedly in search of the winner.

With the match seemingly heading toward extra time, Bangladesh found the decisive goal in the third minute of six added minutes. Shamsunnahar Junior delivered a precise pass from the right flank and Sagarika made no mistake in finishing into the Nepal net.

The late strike sealed a 2-1 victory and sent Bangladesh into the SAFF Women’s Championship final for the third tournament in a row.

Bangladesh had also defeated Nepal in the previous two finals to lift the SAFF women’s title.