LAHORE: Pakistan, led by Sana Mehmood, snatched semi-final spot when they put up a fine display to overwhelm Afghanistan 3-0 in their second Group B match of the first SAFF Women Football Championship at Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh on Thursday.
Pakistan will now face either India or Bangladesh in the semi finals.
The Afghan side, captained by Khalida Popal, failed to put up much resistance conceding three goals, one of them scored by Women Wing chairperson Robina Irfan’s daughter Shlyla Baloch.
Midfielder Malaika Noor landed the opener in the 21st minute hitting the back of the net when she faked her way in for a spectacular goal. Balochistan United’s midfielder Shlyla consolidated the lead in the 40th minute. Pakistan led 2-0 at the interval.
Islamabad FA skipper Mejzgaan Orakzai, daughter of IFA President Dr. Fazal Ur Rehman, rounded off the tally 15 minutes from time.
Earlier in Group A, Bangladesh were in imperious form in their 9-0 triumph while the Indians continued their rampaging form to thrash Sri Lanka 7-0 and book a berth in the semifinals. After hammering Bhutan 18-0 in the opener, India recorded their second successive victory to march into the last-four.
The rout started in the first half as India pumped in four goals to push their opponents on the backfoot. They never allowed Sri Lanka to settle in the match and added three more goals to their tally in the second half.
Sasmita Mallick was once again the star as she scored a superb hat-trick (18th, 30th and 45th minute) while Pinky bagged a fine brace (51st and 60th minute). Bala Devi (2nd minute) and Tababi Devi (49th minute) also got their name on the scoresheet by netting a goal each.
Bangladesh thumped Bhutan 9-0 with striker Aungmra Ching Marma completing a hat-trick in the first half as she slotted home in the 13th, 16th and 30th minutes. Sabina Khatoon scored a brace with goals in the 20th and 91st minutes. Suinu Pru Marma netted in 46th and 50th minutes while Farhana Khatan also joined the goal glut with goals in 41st and 76th minutes of the proceedings. Bangladesh will now face India in their final group match on December 17. The result of the match will decide the group winners and runners-up.
Friday (17 Dec) Fixtures: Sri Lanka vs Bhutan 11:05 AM , Bangladesh vs India 2:30 PM.
