Defending champions Bangladesh retained their SAFF Women’s Championship title on Wednesday with a 2-1 victory over Nepal, thanks to a stunning goal by Rituparna Chakma.

The closely contested final, held at Kathmandu’s Dasharath Stadium, saw Bangladesh overpower Nepal, keeping Nepal’s dream of a first-ever title win unfulfilled.

The loss marks Nepal's twelfth defeat in an international women’s football final and the sixth time the team has fallen short in the SAFF Championship final. Bangladesh previously claimed the 2022 title at the same venue, defeating Nepal in a similar showdown.

The match opened with a goalless first half, but the pace intensified after halftime. Bangladesh struck first, capitalising on a defensive lapse from Nepal, as Monika Chakma found the net in the 52nd minute. Nepal responded swiftly, equalising just four minutes later when Amisha Rai converted a precise through pass from Preeti Rai, slipping the ball past Bangladesh’s goalkeeper.

Bangladesh regained control when Rituparna’s skilful shot from outside the box sailed into the goal, securing their lead and ultimately the title. Throughout the tournament, Rituparna had been in stellar form, and her performance in the final was no exception.

Both teams had chances in the first half, including a close attempt from Bangladesh when a defensive error nearly allowed Sabita Khatun to score. Nepal had its own near-miss when Amisha’s shot, assisted by Sabitra Bhandari, struck the post in the 10th minute.

Bangladesh’s triumph underscores their dominance in the SAFF Championship, while Nepal remains in search of its first international title.