In a thrilling Group A encounter of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024, Pakistan took on defending champions Bangladesh in what turned out to be a gripping contest. After losing their opener to India 5-2, Pakistan were determined to make amends and give themselves a fighting chance to advance to the knockout stages. Bangladesh, as reigning champions, were looking to assert their dominance, but Pakistan showed resilience throughout the match, only to be denied a historic win by a heartbreaking last-minute equalizer from Bangladesh.
Here’s a detailed minute-by-minute report of the match:
First Half:
1′ Pakistan starts strong, controlling possession early and setting the tempo for the game.
3′ Suha attempts a long-range effort, but it flies well over the bar. Not the best start, but Pakistan is showing attacking intent.
3′ Nadia Khan follows up with a shot on target, but it’s comfortably saved by the Bangladeshi goalkeeper.
4′ Another attack by Nadia, but the Bangladesh defense manages to recover just in time.
5′ Pakistan continues to look sharp in the opening minutes, controlling play and applying pressure on Bangladesh.
6′ Bangladesh launches their first threatening attack with a cross into the box, narrowly missing a headed attempt. A close call for Pakistan.
7′ Bangladesh gains momentum and starts putting Pakistan on the back foot.
9′ A nasty collision between Pakistan’s captain, Maria Khan, and a Bangladeshi player results in a lengthy stoppage. Maria bravely continues despite needing a bandage on her head.
14′ Play resumes, and Maria, head bandaged, clears a dangerous ball. Her leadership is vital in these moments.
16′ Pakistan intercepts a threatening move, stopping Bangladesh from creating danger.
17′ Pakistan regains control of the ball, attempting to build play from the back.
18′ Bangladesh responds with a couple of attempts, but none truly threaten Pakistan’s defense.
19′ A shot from Bangladesh’s No. 20 inside the penalty area goes over the crossbar, a missed opportunity for the champions.
20′ A dangerous cross from Bangladesh’s left flank misses its intended target by a whisker. A warning sign for Pakistan.
22′ Bangladesh wins a free-kick just outside Pakistan’s penalty box, but it sails harmlessly over the bar.
23′ Amina Hanif wins possession in Pakistan’s half, showing determination and composure.
24′ Nisha Ashraf, Pakistan’s goalkeeper, makes a routine save from a weak Bangladeshi shot.
25′ Suha launches an audacious long-range shot from near midfield, aiming for the top corner. The Bangladesh keeper makes a fantastic save to deny what would have been a stunning goal.
26′ Amina Hanif tries her luck from distance but fires over the bar.
27′ Nadia Khan sends a cross into the box, but Bangladesh clears the danger. Zameena Malik fails to connect with the ball.
29′ Nadia continues to be a menace, chasing the ball but struggling to keep up with its pace.
30′ Maria Khan, bandaged and resilient, heads away another dangerous ball, showing no signs of slowing down.
31′ Bangladesh’s Tahura Khatoon sends a shot from outside the box, but Nisha Ashraf is quick to collect.
31′ GOAL! Pakistan 1-0 Bangladesh – Zahmena Malik scores for Pakistan! Rameen Fareed delivers a perfect long pass, and Zameena Malik sets himself up and slots the ball into the near post. Pakistan takes the lead against the defending champions!
35′ Pakistan looks to capitalize on their lead as Nadia tries to connect with Zahmena again, but this time the pass is intercepted.
39′ Pakistan’s defense is solid, with Maria Khan at the heart of every clearance.
41′ Ritu, from Bangladesh, fires a long-range shot aiming for the top corner, but Nisha Ashraf makes an incredible save, tipping it over the bar.
45′ Five minutes of added time as Pakistan holds their ground.
45+5′ A dangerous Bangladesh corner is cleared, and the referee blows for halftime.
Halftime: Pakistan 1-0 Bangladesh
Second Half:
47′ Bangladesh comes out strong, immediately looking to equalize.
49′ Nadia Khan drops back into Pakistan’s defense, showcasing her versatility. Her ability to contribute both offensively and defensively is invaluable.
51′ Bangladesh’s Ritu crosses from the left, aiming for the far post, but her effort drifts wide.
54′ Bangladesh’s dominance from their 6-0 win in 2022 feels distant now, as Pakistan is holding their own.
56′ Suha makes a critical clearance for Pakistan, continuing her excellent form from their previous match against India.
57′ Rameen and Nadia combine well, but Zameena is unable to finish off the move, as Bangladesh intercepts.
58′ Tahura Khatoon tries another cross into the box, but it drifts harmlessly wide.
59′ Bangladesh is building pressure, but Nisha Ashraf is up to the task, collecting a cross confidently.
61′ Despite her injury, Maria Khan continues to dominate in defense, making key interceptions and clearances.
65′ Another long-range cross into the box is collected safely by Nisha Ashraf, who has been excellent between the posts.
72′ Bangladesh fires a shot on target, but Nisha dives low to deflect it, with Maria quickly clearing the danger.
75′ Nisha makes another comfortable save from a weak Bangladeshi effort.
76′ Pakistan nearly doubles their lead as Amina Hanif dribbles into the box, but the Bangladeshi keeper rushes out to smother the ball. Nadia Khan’s assist deserved a better finish.
80′ Pakistan is eyeing a historic three points if they can hold on to this lead.
81′ Another shot from Bangladesh, just outside the penalty arc, is expertly saved by Nisha Ashraf. She’s been phenomenal today!
83′ Bangladesh tries from distance once again, but Nisha is there to collect, showing great composure.
90′ GOAL! Pakistan 1-1 Bangladesh – Heartbreak for Pakistan! Samsunhar Jr. equalizes in the dying moments. Ritu dribbles past Pakistan’s defense on the left and fires a shot toward the near post, finding the back of the net.
90+6′ Pakistan fights until the end, but Bangladesh’s late equalizer means the spoils are shared.
Conclusion:
Pakistan will be devastated with this result, having led for much of the game. Nisha Ashraf was exceptional in goal, and the defense, led by the brave Maria Khan, was resolute throughout. Bangladesh, however, found a way back right at the death, showcasing the heart of a champion.
With this draw, Pakistan’s hopes of advancing now depend on the outcome of the next match between India and Bangladesh. A 4-0 win for India could still see Pakistan through to the knockout stages.
Final Score: Pakistan 1-1 Bangladesh
Monika Chakma was named the player of the match for her instrumental role in Bangladesh’s late resurgence.
Here’s Full Match Video Stream: