India lose to Nepal in penalty shoot-out in SAFF Women's C'ships

India crashed out of SAFF Women’s Championship as y lost to Nepal 2-4 in penalty shootout in semifinal match marred by utter confusion after home side held up play for more than one hour in protest against a decision of referee, here on Sunday.

Nepal will play Bangladesh in final. In first semifinal, Bangladesh defeated Bhutan 7-1.

Played in front of a packed house at Dasharath Stadium, shoot-out was applied after full-time ended in a 1-1 draw in a match that witnessed more drama off pitch than inside.

In fact, when shoot-out ended, total duration of match was nearly three hours since start.

India took lead in 62nd minute through Sangita Basfore’s brilliant shot from well outside box.

Nepal n scored but goal was denied by referee. After that, match was held up for more than 70 minutes as Nepal refused to continue, protesting referee’s decision.

scene on pitch during this period was of utter confusion with some histrionics displayed by a section of players and officials, mostly from home side, according to a release from All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Referee Om Choki from Bhutan waited patiently for more than an hour and after a lot of discussion between supervising officials and Nepal side, match resumed.

long wait and absolute confusion, apparently hampered rhythm and concentration of Indians.

Seconds after match resumed, Nepal equalised through Sabitra Bhandari that ultimately proved crucial in stretching game beyond 90 minutes.

In tie-breaker, Nepal mand to convert all four of ir attempts, while only Manisha and Karishma Shirvoikar could find target for India. Skipper Ashalata Devi and Ranjana Chanu were two who missed for Blue Tigresses.

trouble began early in second half when Nepal striker Rekha Poudel was given marching orders for her second yellow card offence in 51st minute.

"As Nepal players vehemently protested referee’s decision, tension generated in stands forced assistant referee from opposite line to abandon her post and take momentary refuge on or side," AIFF said.

"It took around 12 minutes for match to be resumed. situation, however, went berserk and totally out of hand after India took lead. As Indian players went near bench to celebrate goal, Nepal did 'restart' and put ball into an open Indian net," AIFF said.

referee didn’t allow "goal" and it turned out to be bone of contention.

"While spectators displayed ir unhappiness, Nepal players and officials decided to troop out of pitch. It took organisers and supervising officials more than an hour to sort out problem.

“India, who were enjoying a good day in office till n, were left as confused as anyone else at Dasharath Stadium. Once match resumed, Blue Tigresses were never in ir usual self again.”