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Bangladesh impress in opener; Bhutan back on track
Goa: Defending champions Bangladesh confirmed their 2026 SAFF Women's Championship semi-final spot with a 4-2 win against Maldives on Thursday.
The victory meant India also advanced, with their meeting against Bangladesh on Sunday to decide the Group B winners.

Bhutan, meanwhile, revived their hopes of progression from Group A with a 4-0 defeat of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka 0-4 Bhutan
Bhutan boosted their semi-final hopes with a 4-0 win against Sri Lanka.

Needing victory after their opening day 1-0 defeat to Nepal, Bhutan had Pema Choden Tshering to thank with the forward netting a hat-trick.
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Tshering opened the scoring in the 27th minute, with Deki Lhazom doubling Bhutan's advantage in the 54th.

Tshering then sealed the points with strikes in the 80th and 83rd minutes but Bhutan will have to wait for Sri Lanka's result against Nepal on Sunday to know if they progress.

Bangladesh 4-2 Maldives
Bangladesh had to overcome a spirited Maldives before walking away with a 4-2 win.

Seeking a third consecutive title, Bangladesh got off to a fine start with Anika Rania Siddiqui giving them the lead in the first minute.
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Umehla Marma added the second in the 34th but Maldives, who lost 11-0 to India in their opener, pulled one back through Mariyam Noora three minutes before the break.

Aminath Fazla netted the equaliser in the 57th minute but Bangladesh responded through Sauravi Akanda Prity (63rd) and Kohati Kisku (90+5) to take the points.