Bangladesh end SAFF Futsal campaign with 4–1 loss to Nepal

Bangladesh concluded their maiden SAFF Futsal Championship campaign with a 4–1 defeat against Nepal in the group-stage match on Saturday at the Nonthaburi Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Bangladesh futsal team had begun their journey in the tournament with a draw against India but finished on a disappointing note, ending the competition with three defeats from six matches.

Rahbar Khan’s side collected seven points and currently sit fourth in the standings, having completed all of their group matches. Nepal, with this victory, moved to third place with eight points and still have one game remaining. India also have one match left to play.

Bangladesh had a chance to secure at least third position with a win in their final game, which could have taken them to 10 points. However, the loss to Nepal ended those hopes.

The match started positively for Bangladesh, but defensive errors and Nepal’s attacking pressure proved costly. Nepal took the lead in the 14th minute through Lakpa Tamang, heading into halftime with a 1–0 advantage.

In the second half, Saroj Tamang doubled Nepal’s lead in the 29th minute. Bangladesh attempted a comeback when skipper Rahbar pulled one back in the 34th minute, raising hopes of a fightback. However, Nepal responded swiftly, with Sanje Sangtan scoring in the 35th minute and Bikrant Narsing Rana adding another in the 37th minute to extend the lead.

To make matters worse for Bangladesh, Mohammad Tuhin was shown a direct red card in the 39th minute, reducing the team to four players late in the encounter.

The game ended with Nepal securing a convincing 4–1 victory, while Bangladesh exited the tournament with mixed performances—starting with promise but finishing with frustration.