Bangladesh emerged unbeaten champions in the five-nation SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship-2021, beating their giant neighbour India by 1-0 goal in the final on Wednesday.
The match was held at Bir Shrestha Shaheed Shipahi Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Stadium at Kamalapur in the capital.
Defender Anai Mogini brought laurel for the country scoring the all-important goal in the 80th minute by a long distance shot, off a back hill of Shaheda Akhter Ripa to colour the 50th year celebration of independence of Bangladesh.
In the just concluded SAFF Tourney, Bangladesh clinched the trophy with an all-win record scoring 20 goals without conceding any.
This was the second consecutive victory for Bangladesh against India in the ongoing meet after beating their neighbour, also by 1-0 goal, in round robin stage.
Bangladesh women’s team also clinched the 2018 SAFF U-18 Women’s Championship title, now termed as the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship.
State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Zahid Ahsan Russell witnessed the day’s final and distributed the prestigious trophy to Bangladesh captain Maria Manda.
SAFF and BFF President Kazi M Salahuddin was also present on the occasion.
Shaheda Akhter Ripa of Bangladesh was adjudged the most valuable player and highest scorer of the tournament netting five goals.
Meanwhile, President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina congratulated the football team on winning the championship.
