India stumble against Bangladesh in SAFF U19 Championship

India stands at third place in the SAFF U19 Championship table.

India’s U-17 women’s team suffered a setback in their SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship campaign after going down 2–0 to a strong Bangladesh side. Competing in a higher age-group tournament as part of their preparation for future continental challenges, the youngsters showed intent and fight but were undone by moments of quality from their opponents.

With this defeat, India sits third in the standings with three points, while Bangladesh leads the table with six points and Nepal sits at the second spot.

Indian U17 women's team succumbed to 2-0 defeat to Bangladesh U19 in the SAFF U19 Women's Championship in Nepal. #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/9le0cDqejh

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) February 2, 2026

India falter to Bangladesh

India’s U-17 side started the contest with real purpose, putting Bangladesh under pressure straight from kick-off. The Young Tigresses carved out two clear openings inside the first five minutes, with Elizabed Lakra testing the goalkeeper from a well-struck free kick that was smartly tipped away by Mst Yearzan Begum. Moments later, Elizabed turned provider, finding captain Julan Nongmaithem, who slipped Pritika through on the right. With the goalkeeper rushing out, Pritika’s effort flashed just wide of the far post, with Pearl Fernandes unable to reach it for a tap-in.

The breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute for Bangladesh, when Bangladesh capitalized on a loose ball in the box. A cross from the right was spilled by India goalkeeper Munni, and Arpita Biswas reacted quickest to bundle the rebound over the line.

The goal lifted Bangladesh’s confidence and unsettled India, who found it harder to play out from the back under sustained pressure. Bangladesh doubled their advantage in the 40th minute as Sree Moti Trishna Rani burst down the right flank and delivered a dangerous cross. An awkward bounce off the uneven surface caught the defense out, allowing Alpi Akter to tap in from close range.

India showed renewed intent after the break and searched for a way back into the contest. Thandamoni tested the goalkeeper from range in the 51st minute, while Munni responded at the other end with a fine save to deny Munki’s curling effort. Substitute Anwita Raghuraman went close in the 71st minute, only to be stopped by a timely sliding tackle from Mst Joynob Bibi Rita. Later on, Pearl Fernandes tried an audacious volleyed chip after being picked out by Divyani Linda, but the Bangladesh goalkeeper remained alert to keep it out.

Forced into long passes and shots from range in the closing stages, India were unable to find a breakthrough as Bangladesh saw out the game to claim all three points. Bangladesh now leads the table with six points from two matches, while India sits third with three points.

Upcoming Challenge

The defeat will serve as an important learning experience for the Young Tigresses, who are competing against older and physically stronger opponents in the tournament. Despite the result, there were encouraging signs in India’s attacking intent, work rate and willingness to take the game to the opposition. With more matches still to be played, the focus will be on regrouping quickly, improving decision-making in the final third and converting promising phases of play into goals and being more decisive going forward.

Attention now turns to India’s next outing against Bhutan on February 4, a crucial fixture in the round-robin stage. A positive result there could play a decisive role in shaping India’s path in the competition. As the team continues its journey of growth, the emphasis remains on learning from setbacks, building consistency and using this exposure as preparation for future international challenges.

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