In the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship, Bangladesh made a great start by beating Bhutan 3-1, but stumbled in their second match against India. On Friday, at the Changlimithang Stadium, the red-and-greens lost 2-0 to their neighbors.
In the 14th minute, India’s Pearl Fernandes put her team ahead. Winning the ball in midfield, a defense-splitting pass found her, and she scored with a shot that Bangladesh goalkeeper Yarjan Begum couldn’t keep out.
Bangladesh created a few good chances in the first half but failed to score. Alpina Akter’s header from a corner missed the target. In the second half, India’s attacks continued. In the 76th minute, Boniphila Shulai scored the second goal with a perfect volley from a corner.
This defeat ended Bangladesh’s five-match winning streak. Their last loss had come in September 2023 against Australia.
In the previous edition at U-16 level, Bangladesh had beaten India twice — 3-1 in the group stage and again in the final on penalties. But this time, India dominated the field.
In this tournament, Bangladesh won their opening match 3-1 against Bhutan, while India crushed Nepal 7-0 in their first game. With two wins from two matches, India now sit at the top of the points table with 6 points.
Bangladesh still have three matches left — against Nepal on August 24 and 27, Bhutan again on August 29, and India once more on August 31.
