Biratnagar, March 17

India defeated Sri Lanka 5-0 in the last league round match of the SAFF Women’s Championship here at the Shahid Rangashala today.

With the win, India finished as Group B winners with maximum six points from two matches, while Sri Lanka came second with three. The Maldives crashed out of the group with two losses in a row.

In Group A, Nepal won two matches to top the pool with six points, while Bangladesh were second with three points. Bhutan made early exit without scoring a goal, like the Maldives.

Nepal will now face Group B runners-up Sri Lanka in the first semi-final match, while India will play against Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Grace Dangmei opened the scoring for India in the fourth minute of the match when she headed home from close in rebound after Sanju’s initial shot hit the woodwork. Sandhiya Ranganathan doubled the tally three minutes later following a cross from Sanju.

Indumathi Kathiresan made it 3-0 in the 36th minute after he slotted home from the crowded d-box after Sri Lanka defenders failed to clear a cross from Sanju.

Sangita Basfore extended the lead in the 45th minute from the spot.

India earned the penalty after RDL Rushani Gunawardana handled the ball inside the d-box. Ratanbala Devi Nongmaithem made it 5-0 one minute into the second half after collecting a pass from Sandhiya Ranganathan inside the penalty box.

India, who had defeated the Maldives 6-0 in their first match, dominated throughout the match and created ample opportunities, although they could score just one goal in the second half.

India coach Mayamol Nedugadan Rocky was satisfied with her team’s performance, especially in the first half. “We converted five chances against them as the girls played good football,” she said. “We are hoping for a competitive match against Bangladesh in the semi-finals,” added Rocky.

Sri Lanka coach Rohan Thilak Alponsu said the India team was an experienced one in women’s football compared to his side. Asked about the semi-final match against Nepal, Alposu said his side would play attacking football against the home side.