The women's team of Bangladesh has qualified for the final of the SAFF U19 Women's Championship 2021. Bangladesh will meet India's U19 Women's side in the final on Wednesday at the BSSS Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Dhaka. The match will begin at 6 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time). The reigning champion Bangladesh U19 Women's team will be looking to defend their title. On the other side, the Indian team will be vying for their first championship. Let's take a look at how both clubs secured their spots in the championship game.

Bangladesh U19 Women’s Team vs India U19 Women’s Team: Road to Final    

The Bangladesh U19 Women's team began their SAFF Championship campaign with a 0-0 draw against Nepal on December 11. Two days later, they defeated Bhutan 6-0, with Tohura and Ripa both scoring twice. The third match for Bangladesh was against a powerful Indian team. They won that match owing to Shamsunnahar's sole goal in the seventh minute. The Bangladesh Women's team crushed the Sri Lankan side 12-0 in their last group stage encounter, securing their spot in the final. Saheda and Afeida both scored hat-tricks in the contest.

Meanwhile, the Indian U19 Women's side started their campaign with a 5-0 victory over Sri Lanka. India defeated Bhutan 3-0 in the second match but fell 1-0 to Bangladesh in the third encounter. Therefore, the match between India and Nepal was a must-win for both teams, which India won 1-0 and progressed to the final.

Read SAFF U-19 Women’s: Bangladesh crush Sri Lanka, face India in final next

Probable Team Lineups: Bangladesh U19 vs India U19 

The Bangladesh U19 Women’s team is expected to field the same starting XI that defeated Sri Lanka by a scoreline of 12-0. 

Predicted Starting XI (Bangladesh): 

Rupna Chakma (GK), Anai Mogini (RB), Akhi Khatun (CB), Nilufa Yesmin Nila (CB), Shamsunnahar Sr. (LB), Monika Chakma (CM), Maria Manda (CM), Marzia (RW), Ritu Porna Chakma (LW), Tohura Khatun (FW), Shamsunnahar Jr. (FW)

After winning their last group round match against Nepal, the Indian U19 Women's team is full of confidence. As a result, the Indian team management may use the same starting XI in the final against Bangladesh.

Read SAFF U-19 Women: India advance to final beating Nepal 1-0

Predicted Starting XI (India): 

Anshika (GK), Kritina Devi (RB), Nirmala Devi (CB), Purnima Kumari (CB), Astam Oraon (LB), Shilky Devi (MF), Mariyammal Balamurugan (MF), Priyangka Devi (MF), Santosh (MF), Amisha Baxla (MF), Sumati Kumari (FW)   

Final Match Prediction: Bangladesh U19 Women’s Team vs India U19 Women’s Team 

India have a long history of being a great team in the subcontinent. Indian senior teams, as well as age-level men's and women's teams, have a strong record against other South Asian nations. Making India's U19 Women's team the favorite in the final isn't wrong despite that Bangladesh is the host team. The Indian side has several talented players and may go all-out against Bangladesh to disrupt their rhythm. 

Read SAFF U-19 Women’s: India beat Bhutan; Nepal crush Sri Lanka 6-0

On the other side, Bangladesh U19 Women's team has a fantastic record in this competition. They defeated Nepal 1-0 in the final of the 2018 SAFF U18 Women's Championship in Bhutan. This will be Bangladesh's second consecutive final in the competition, and they will surely be motivated to win in front of their home crowd. Bangladesh may play cautiously and counter-attack in this match. 

Prediction: Bangladesh 1-1 India (Bangladesh win, Penalty shootout)

Verdict

Both Bangladeshi and Indian teams are anticipated to have all of their players ready for the crucial SAFF U19 Women's Championship 2021 match. Therefore, coaches can use their most effective formations in the battle. The Bangladeshi team will be full of confidence coming into this encounter, especially after defeating India 1-0 in the group stage. On the other hand, the Indian team will be keen to avenge their group phase loss to the host. Overall, the best two teams will meet in the final, ensuring a fascinating match for football fans. 

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