BIRATNAGAR, March 16: RM Chalani Kumari Ekanayake scored a brace as Sri Lanka women national football team defeated Maldives national football team 2-0 to advance to the semifinals of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Women’s Championship 2019 in the second group B match held at the Shahid Stadium in Biratnagar on Friday.

Maldives had already lost 6-0 against India in the opening match of the group on Wednesday. With two defeats in two games, Maldives are out of the competition as India will join Sri Lanka as the semifinalists from this group with last league game between the two teams to be played on Sunday. The match will serve as battle for top finish in the group.

Nepal and Bangladesh have qualified for the semifinal from group B, both playing its final group game on Saturday to decide the group winner. The top team of each group will face the runner-up of opposite groups in the semifinals. 

Ekanayake opened the scoring for Sri Lanka in the 40th minute completing the rebound off Skipper IL Erandi K Liyanage’s brilliantly taken free kick which was saved by the opposition goalkeeper Aminath Leeza but couldn’t prevent the rebound. Sri Lanka kept attacking in the first half but Maldives defending well kept the damage to just one goal.

After the halftime break, Ekanayake, once again, registered her name in score-sheet in brilliant display of skill and talent chipping the ball over Maldives goalie Leeza. M Achala Sanjeewani Perera provided the neat pass to Ekanayake in the 50th minute to give Sri Lanka 2-0 winning lead in the match.

Maldives second consecutive loss means the team is knocked out from the championship along with Bhutan from group A.

Nepal will face Bangladesh for the top finish in the final group A match on Saturday. Nepal coach Hari Khadka hinted at an attacking game to top the group. “Our sole target is to win the game and top the group. We will look to attack from the get go. We feel tactically prepared for the match.” He further added, “Bangladesh has really improved well in recent times. They are an established team in SAFF. India definitely is the strongest one but Nepal had reached final last time.”

Khadka also shared his thoughts on Nepal’s strength and weaknesses ahead of the match. “Our attacking line is among the bests in South Asia. Simultaneoulsy, our defensive line will be tested against the Bangladesh. We have worked hard in that area. However, we expect to win comfortably.”

Nepal captain Niru Thapa assured to perform better than the last game which Nepal won 3-0 against Bhutan. “We feel motivated after first win. Our both, forward and defensive, line is improving. Our midfield, the link between the two, is working on instructions provided by the coach. We feel confident on winning.”

Nepal has reached three finals in a row and losing to Indian in all three occasions. Similarly, Nepal was knocked out in semis during last edition where Bangladesh had lost in the final against India.

 
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