Kathmandu: Nepal’s SAFF Women’s Championship campaign ended in semifinal after they conceded a last-ditch goal to bow out 2-1 against defending champions Bangladesh in Goa, India, on Wednesday.

Bangladesh overturned an early deficit at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with substitute Sagorika striking deep into injury time just as the match appeared destined for extra time.

The victory sent the two-time defending champions into the tournament final for a third consecutive edition, where they will face hosts India.

For Nepal, the defeat marked only the second time they have failed to reach the final in the eight editions of the biennial tournament, the first being in 2016, which was also hosted by India.

Ritu Porna Chakma had earlier restored parity for Bangladesh in first-half stoppage time after Nepal had taken the lead through Gita Rana in the 23rd minute. Rana capitalized on a loose ball after Bangladesh’s defence failed to deal with a Deepa Shahi corner.

Nepal came close to extending their advantage in the 36th minute, but Preeti Rai’s effort rattled the post. Six minutes later, Rekha Paudel’s header drifted narrowly wide before she struck the woodwork again just two minutes into the second half.

Bangladesh continued to press for an equaliser and nearly found one in the 78th minute, only for Nepal goalkeeper Anjali Subba to produce a brilliant save to deny Sagorika’s powerful strike.

However, Bangladesh eventually found the breakthrough in dramatic fashion, scoring twice in stoppage time to complete a remarkable comeback and book their place in the final.