Nepal Faces Crucial Clash Against Bangladesh in SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 Semifinals

The Nepal women’s team, having reached the finals six times out of seven editions but never securing the title, aims to overturn past defeats against Bangladesh, their opponent in the upcoming SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 semifinal. In the last two editions, Nepal lost to Bangladesh in the finals, and this time they are determined to reverse that outcome. The first semifinal of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday, where Nepal will face defending champions Bangladesh. Nepal’s head coach, Nabin Neupane, highlighted that the inclusion of midfielder Preeti Rai in the squad has significantly boosted team morale. Out of 13 matches played between Nepal and Bangladesh, Nepal has won six, while Bangladesh has secured two victories. (Kathmandu, 20 Jestha)

As Nepal prepares to take the field in Goa against defending champions Bangladesh for the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 semifinal, their objectives are clear: to avenge two previous final losses against Bangladesh and to secure a place in the final. The match will kick off at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, featuring Group A winner Nepal against Group B runner-up Bangladesh. Nepal advanced to the semifinal by defeating Bhutan 1-0 and Sri Lanka 2-0 in a relatively smoother group. Nepal scored a total of three goals in the group stage and maintained a clean sheet throughout.

Bangladesh, a two-time previous champion, has shown a performance below expectations this time. Although they defeated the Maldives in their opening match with a 4-2 scoreline, Bangladesh was subsequently defeated 3-0 by host India. Despite this loss, Bangladesh qualified as Group B’s runner-up for the semifinals and has scored in both group matches. The other semifinal will be played between hosts India and Bhutan. While Bhutan is seen as a comparatively easier opponent for India, all eyes will be on the highly anticipated Nepal-Bangladesh semifinal. Bangladesh has not shown its usual rhythm in this championship, but Nepal’s head coach Nabin Neupane pointed out that although Bangladesh’s earlier form was lacking, the team remains in good shape.

Coach Neupane expressed confidence in advancing to the final by winning the semifinal. He said, “We are ready to give Bangladesh tough competition. The morale of the team is very high since Preeti Rai joined. Since the weather is similar to Cambodia, it does not make much difference for her.” Despite making it to the finals six times in seven editions, Nepal has never clinched the SAFF Women’s Championship title and has consistently finished as runner-up. It is imperative for Nepal to claim retribution. Bangladesh, having reached many finals in the initial five editions, has secured the title by defeating Nepal consecutively in the last two finals held in Kathmandu. Nepal has been unable to defeat Bangladesh recently, which has impeded their path to the championship. Therefore, this time Nepal aims to reach the final and overturn past losses. However, Nepal will face a major test in Goa without regular captain and golden boot winner Sabitra Bhandari, along with Samba and Sabita Rana Magar. Having comfortably reached the semifinals by defeating Bhutan and Sri Lanka, Nepal must again overcome Bangladesh to win the title. The addition of midfielder Preeti Rai, currently playing in Cambodia’s league, offers relief for Nepal. Despite missing the first two group matches, she joined the team in Goa just a few days ago. Coach Neupane commented, “Preeti is a capable player who supplies good balls, which is positive for us. We need to capitalize on our chances. After organizing our defense, it is essential to manage opportunities when transitioning to attack.”

Out of 13 matches played between Nepal and Bangladesh so far, Nepal has won six matches, with five ending in draws, and Bangladesh has won two games. Both Bangladesh victories were in the SAFF Women’s Championship finals of 2022 and 2024. Since 2021, Nepal has not been able to defeat Bangladesh in regular time. Nepal’s last victory against Bangladesh was a 2-1 friendly match win at Dashrath Rangasala in September 2021; another friendly ended in a goalless draw. However, Nepal lost 3-1 to Bangladesh in the 2022 SAFF Women’s Championship final. Two friendlies held in Dhaka in July 2023 ended in draws, with Nepal winning the penalty shootout in one. In the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou in September 2023, Nepal and Bangladesh played out a 1-1 draw. Most recently, Nepal was defeated 2-1 by Bangladesh in the SAFF Women’s Championship final in Kathmandu in October 2024.