Bangladesh forward Sagorika was resolute in her determination to make a strong comeback following a three-match suspension, and she certainly made her mark by scoring four goals against Nepal to secure the SAFF Under-20 Women鈥檚 Championship title.
The 17-year-old, who was suspended for three crucial matches after receiving a red card in Bangladesh鈥檚 first-leg encounter against Nepal, returned for the title-deciding match with a point to prove.
鈥極bviously, a player will be determined to show the best of her capacity after a three-match suspension. And that鈥檚 what happened. The suspension that kept me out of three matches made me stubborn to excel,鈥� Sagorika told reporters at the team hotel on Tuesday.
Sagorika scored in the 8th, 52nd, 58th, and 72nd minutes to propel Bangladesh to retain their title in the regional age-level tournament.
The prolific forward concluded the competition with an impressive tally of eight goals from just three appearances. This included a remarkable hat-trick during Bangladesh鈥檚 9-1 victory over Sri Lanka, as well as a goal in a narrow 3-2 win against Nepal, prior to receiving a red card in the 56th minute.
She was later adjudged as the most valuable player of the tournament and finished as the tournament鈥檚 second highest scorer behind Nepal鈥檚 Purnima Rai, who scored 10 goals.
鈥業 was determined to utilise that chance, and I did it. I had a target of becoming the top scorer but missed it. It鈥檚 a bit painful, but I feel good that I was adjudged as the best player, playing only three matches,鈥� said Sagorika.
Despite the team鈥檚 success, they refrained from celebrating their victory due to the tragic incident involving a Bangladesh Air Force jet crash that claimed 31 lives and left many others injured in Dhaka.
鈥榃e silently returned to the team hotel without celebrating because we were all deeply saddened by the crash that caused a huge death toll. It hurts us all severely, she said.
Sagorika was also happy that Bangladesh maintained th eir winning streak during her suspension.
Trishna Rani scored a last-minute winner against Nepal, while Shanti Mardi scored a hat-trick in Bangladesh鈥檚 4-1 victory over Bhutan in the following matches. Trishna also scored a brace for their 3-0 win against Bhutan in the return leg.聽
鈥楾rishna played in my position after I was sent off and suspended. She did well. I am happy that we have more players for one position. And it makes healthy competition among the team-mates. We always want to play as a team,鈥� she said.
Bangladesh beat Nepal 4-0 and 3-2, Sri Lanka 9-1 and 5-0, and Bhutan 4-1 and 3-0 in the competition.
