Daijiworld Media Network - Thimpu

Thimpu, Aug 31: India wrapped up their SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship 2025 campaign on Sunday with a thrilling 3–4 loss to Bangladesh at the Changlimithang Stadium in Bhutan. Despite the defeat, the Young Tigresses lifted the trophy, having secured the championship with an unassailable lead in the standings before the final match.

India finished the tournament with five wins and one loss, their dominant performance earlier in the campaign proving enough to seal the title.

The final clash was packed with drama and goals. Bangladesh struck within the opening 30 seconds through Purnima Marma — the first goal India conceded in the tournament. But Anushka Kumari responded swiftly for India in the 9th minute with a composed finish after beating the keeper and defenders.

Bangladesh retook the lead in the 34th minute through Alpi Akter and added a third just after the break when Sauravi Prity found the net in the 48th minute. India’s Pritika Barman reduced the deficit in the 65th minute, and captain Julan’s strike in the 89th minute brought the scores level at 3–3.

But just when it seemed India would finish unbeaten, Prity netted her second in injury time, sealing a memorable win for Bangladesh — though it didn’t alter the tournament outcome.

India’s attacking intent was evident throughout the match, with several close chances falling to Anushka, Valaina, and Pritika. However, a combination of narrow misses, woodwork, and a resilient Bangladeshi defence kept them from overturning the scoreline.

The Young Tigresses will now regroup and shift focus to the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers scheduled for October in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, where they’ll aim to continue their promising form on a bigger stage.