Bangladesh reach SAFF U-19 final with 4-0 win over Nepal

A hat-trick by forward Alpi Akter powered the Bangladesh Under-19 women's football team to the final of the SAFF U-19 Women's Championship, as they thrashed hosts Nepal 4-0 at the Pokhara Rangasala Stadium on Wednesday, reports UNB.
With this commanding victory, Peter Butler's side finished the group stage with a perfect record, securing maximum 9 points from three matches to top the table.
India also booked their spot in the final after defeating Bhutan earlier in the day, finishing second with 6 points. The two arch-rivals will now face off in the title decider on February 07 (Saturday) at the same venue.
Bangladesh wasted no time asserting dominance, taking the lead in just the 3rd minute. Protima Munda opened the scoring with a precise header off a corner kick delivered by Mamoni Chakma.
Despite the early setback, Nepal tightened their defense, denying Bangladesh further goals until the dying moments of the first half.
Alpi Akter then took center stage, doubling the lead in stoppage time before the break with a stunning direct free-kick.