In the 70-minute match, Marzia scored the winner in the first quarter to secure Bangladesh's first ever women's international trophy.The final was originally scheduled to be held on April 25 earlier this year at the Dasharath Stadium, Tripureshwar. However, the match was cancelled following the devastating earthquake that rocked the country on the same day a couple of hours prior to the kick off.
Nevertheless, Bangladesh Football Federation expressed its willingness to play the final to AFC and the latter relayed it to All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). The football governing body of Nepal then decided to host the final.
However, Nepal failed to claim the title on home soil with nearly a thousand raucous local supports.
Bangladesh players were better in counter attack besides strong defense line-up which kept Nepal's attacks on bay. Marzia's 16th minute strike from the edge of the box turned to be the winner despite Nepal's goalie Rabita Kumari getting her hand on the ball.
After conceding the goal, Nepal lost its rhythm and failed to pressurize the opponent and create a single chance throughout the match.
"After conceding the early goal, our players became nervous and they lost ball possession," said Nepal's coach Kishor KC at the post-match conference.
Bangladesh created numerous other chances throughout the match but Nepali goalie Rabita denied them on various occasions.
"We missed at least three clear chances against the physically strong home side," commented Golam Robbani Choton, the Bangladesh coach. He however was full of praise for the opponent team and added that it was the first title for the Bangladesh women's football team.
Nepal's coach KC claimed that his side did not play to its potential.
He also blamed that the ground surface was not even and playable. "Our players did not play as expected, however the ground was also not on same level," he blamed.
He also expressed his anger saying that the concerned body of the women's football was not serious. "I was informed to begin the training just 20 days ago which is not enough to prepare for the final. If the concerned body wants to develop women's football then they should be serious on the issue and come up with long-term plans," said KC.
The defeat left young Nepali footballers in tears as they could not hide their emotions. The team officials were busy consoling them.
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