India faced a disappointing exit from the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship 2024, losing to Nepal 2-4 in a penalty shootout during the semi-finals held at the Dasharath Stadium on Sunday.
Played in front of a packed house, the shootout followed a full-time score of 1-1 in a match that witnessed more drama off the pitch than on it. India took the lead in the 62nd minute through Sangita Basfore’s brilliant shot from well outside the box. However, Nepal’s equalizer was initially denied by the referee, leading to a stoppage of more than 70 minutes as the host side protested the decision, according to a press release from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
During this stoppage, the scene on the pitch was one of utter confusion, with some histrionics displayed by a section of the players and officials, mostly from the home side. The referee, Om Choki from Bhutan, waited patiently for over an hour. After extensive discussions between the supervising officials and the Nepal side, the match finally resumed.
The long wait, along with the confusion and uncertainty, hampered the rhythm and concentration of the Indian players. Seconds after the match resumed, Nepal equalized through Sabitra Bhandari, which ultimately proved crucial in stretching the game beyond 90 minutes.
In the tie-breaker, Nepal managed to convert all four of their initial attempts, while only Manisha and Karishma Shirvoikar found the target for India. Skipper Ashalata Devi and Ranjana Chanu were the two who missed for the Blue Tigresses.
The trouble began early in the second half when Nepal striker Rekha Poudel received a red card for her second yellow card offense in the 51st minute. As the Nepal players vehemently protested the referee’s decision, the tension in the stands forced the assistant referee from the opposite line to abandon her post temporarily.
It took around 12 minutes for the match to resume. The situation escalated after India took the lead. As the Indian players celebrated their goal near the bench, Nepal took the “restart” and put the ball into an open Indian net. The referee disallowed the goal, which became the focal point of contention. The spectators expressed their unhappiness, and the Nepal players and officials decided to leave the pitch. It took the organizers and supervising officials over an hour to resolve the issue. India, who had been performing well until that point, found themselves as confused as anyone else at the Dasharath Stadium. Once the match resumed, the Blue Tigresses were never quite themselves again.
India’s lineup included: Panthoi Chanu (GK) (Payal Ramesh Basude 90+3); W Linthoingambi Devi (Rimpa Haldar 66′), Juli Kishan, Ashalata Devi (C), Sanju, Ranjana Chanu; Aruna Bag, Grace Dangmei (Karishma 66′), Manisha; Bala Devi (Sangita Basfore 36′), Jyoti (Soumya Guguloth 66′).