Nepal crashed from the semi-finals of Saff U-15 Women’s Football Championship after losing 2-1 against India at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Thursday.

Lynda Kom and Kritina Devi scored either side of the break for India to send Nepal packing. Kom gave the 31st minute lead to India only for Rajani Thokar to equalise for Nepal in the 37th minute. Devi struck for India again in the 59th minute which ultimately turned out to be the decider.

India will meet the winners of the second semi-final match between the hosts Bhutan and Bangladesh on Saturday. Nepal will now play the third-place playoff match against the losers of the second semi-final match.  

Nepal made it to the semi-finals after finishing as Group ‘B’ runners-up. Nepal’s semi-final entry was confirmed after they hammered Pakistan 4-0 in their first match. Pakistan also lose to Bangladesh 14-0 opening doors for Nepal to advance. In their second Group ‘B’ match, Nepal lost 4-0 to defending champions Bangladesh to set the last-four clash with Group ‘A’ winners India.

In another group, India beat Sri Lanka 12-0 and Bhutan 1-0 while Bhutan defeated Sri Lanka 1-0.