Nepal national women’s team’s hopes to win their maiden international trophy remained unfulfilled again as they lost to Bangladesh 2-1 in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

It was Nepal women’s 12th major final since they played their first international match in 1986—and sixth SAFF final—but have failed to get their hands on a trophy each time.

For Bangladesh, it was their second consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship trophy after breaking India’s juggernaut on the throne two years ago—which is a clear message to the world that they have now announced themselves as the new powerhouse of South Asia.

“I apologise to all the supporters because we could not win the trophy again,” said Sabitra Bhandari, who is Nepal’s all-time high scorer with 55 goals, after the match.

“But we will continue our quest for the title and try to win it the next time,” added Bhandari, who had almost single handedly led Nepal to the tie-breaker against India with an equaliser in the semi-finals.

The 4-2 penalty shootout victory over India in a controversial and tense semi-final had raised hopes that Nepal would finally break their 38-year long wait for an international title.

More than 15,000 fans swarmed the stadium again to support their team but it was Bangladesh who almost silenced the crowd with the lead just two minutes into the game when Gita Rana’s unfortunate goal kick fell in the path of Tohura Khatun but Nepal were given a lifeline as the striker could not capitalise on the chance even after making two attempts from open play, with her first rattling the crossbar.

Nepal then threatened the Bangladesh box in the 10th minute, with Amisha Karki hitting the crossbar.

Nepal were missing their top scorer of the tournament, Rekha Paudel, who was suspended for a red card she received during the India clash and the hosts gradually began to feel her absence as the match progressed.

Bangladesh were solid at the back and jammed the movement of Bhandari most of the time.

The battle suddenly burst into life eight minutes after the break when Monika Chakma put Bangladesh in front after captain Sabina Khatun and Tohura Khatun made full use of a defensive lapse from Nepal to set Monika up inside the penalty area.

But Karki gave Nepal breathing space with an equaliser four minutes later after Preeti Rai put her through.

Bangladesh nearly got their second in the 68th minute but captain and goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba made a flying save to keep out a long-ranged effort from Maria Manda.

Coach Rajendra Tamang sent in Anita Basnet to replace Karki after 76 minutes hoping that the introduction of fresh legs might do wonders for Nepal but it only made their play worse as Bangladesh doubled their lead in the 81st minute. Ritu Porna Chakma outsmarted Basnet on the left and arrowed a shot from outside the box into the net. Subba gave all her effort to punch the ball away but in vain.

Nepal desperately searched for another equalising goal in the final minutes but Bangladesh held on.

Coach Tamang also announced his resignation following the final loss.

“I am quitting the national women’s team,” said Tamang after the game. Under Tamang, Nepal reached the WAFF Women’s Championship final in February but lost the title match to Jordan 5-3 on penalties.