India Quits Out of SAFF Women's Championship to Nepal

India exited the SAFF Women's Championship after a 2-4 loss to Nepal in a penalty shootout during the semifinal, which was overshadowed by disarray as the home team halted play for over one hour in protest against a referee's decision in Kathmandu on Sunday. Nepal will face Bangladesh in the final match. In the 1st semifinal, Bangladesh won over Bhutan with a score of 7-1. 

The match, held in front of a packed audience at Dasharath Stadium, ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation period, leading to a shootout that extended the total match duration to nearly 3 hours. India actually took the lead in the 62nd minute with a wonderful shot from outside the box by Sangita Basfore.

Nepal found the net, but the referee didn't allow the goal. Following this, the match was disturbed for over seventy minutes as Nepal refused to continue in protest. The scene on the field during this time was filled with bewilderment and dramatic displays from some players & officials, mainly from the home side, according to a statement from the All-India Football Federation (AIFF).

Referee Om Choki from Bhutan remained patient for more than one hour, engaging in discussions with supervising officials and the Nepal team before the match resumed. This prolonged pause made a mess of the Indian team's rhythm and focus. Almost immediately after the cricket match resumed, Nepal equalized through Sabitra Bhandari, a goal that was important in pushing the game beyond regulation time.

Nepal converted all 4 of their penalties, while only Manisha and Karishma Shirvoikar scored for India. Skipper Ashalata Devi and Ranjana Chanu were the 2 players who missed their endeavours for the Blue Tigresses.

The problem began early in the 2nd half when Nepal striker Rekha Poudel received a red card for her second yellow card offense in the 51st minute. The AIFF reported that the anxiety from the protests brought about the assistant referee from the opposite line to temporarily leave her position for safety.

READ MORE - 

How Indian Phone Brands Are Enhancing Mobile Photography