Defending champions Bangladesh will face Nepal in the title-deciding match of the four-team double round-robin format SAFF Under-20 Women鈥檚 Championship 2025 at the Kings Arena Training Ground in the city today.
The match between the two teams is scheduled to begin at 7:00pm after the match between Bhutan and Sri Lanka at 3:00pm at the same venue.
Bangladesh, currently leading the points table with 15 points, only require a draw against Nepal to secure the title. In contrast, the visitors must achieve a win to claim the championship.
Peter Butler鈥檚 charges have been in ruthless form throughout the competition as they defeated Sri Lanka 9-1 and 5-0, Nepal 3-2 and Bhutan 4-1 and 3-0 in their previous matches.
On the other hand, Nepal, who suffered their only defeat against Bangladesh, beat Bhutan 6-1, 8-0 and Sri Lanka by identical 7-0 margins in their other two games to place second with 12 points.
Bangladesh forward Sagorika, who made a hat-trick against Sri Lanka in the tournament opener, is expected to return in the game against Nepal after completing her three-match suspension.
The SAFF imposed a three-match ban on Sagorika and Nepal defender Simran Rai by penalising both the players $500 each following their red cards in the match at the Kings Arena on July 13.
However, Butler was primarily focused on developing a team for future AFC competitions rather than winning the title.
鈥楾he title means nothing to me. I am just staying (focused) to develop players. It (title) means something to some certain (kind of) people. That鈥檚 fine, but I am here to develop players and build the team for AFC (competitions) and upwards for the future,鈥� Butler replied to a query following the match against Sri Lanka on Saturday.
鈥業 decided to change around the teams to give some opportunity to younger players. 鈥leased with the win in five games...They (Nepal) are a good side, higher in women rankings, get good players, show that they can score goals, respect to them,鈥� said the Englishman.