India claim SAFF U17 Women's Championship title with win over Nepal

India still have a match to spare in the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship.

India stamped their authority in with a commanding 5-0  victory, outclassing Nepal at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu on Friday, August 29, to clinch the 2025 SAFF U17 Women’s Championship title in style. The Young Tigresses led 3-0 at half-time.

The victory lifted India to 15 points from five matches, an unassailable lead at the top of the table. Bangladesh’s slip-up earlier in the day (a 1-1 draw against hosts Bhutan) ensured the title for India.

Pearl Fernandes (15’, 43’) and Divyani Linda (79’, 90+2’) both scored a brace each. Nira Chanu Longjam (‘5) also scored the other goal.

India asserted early dominance against Nepal

From the opening whistle, India cast a one-sided show. The ball rarely found its way into India’s half as wave after wave of blue shirts pressed forward, pinning Nepal inside their own half and keeping the action firmly away from goalkeeper Munni’s end.

The floodgates opened early, just five minutes in, Nira Chanu struck from a set-piece guiding the ball cleanly into the net to set the tone. She then turned provider in the 15th minute, curling a perfect cross into the box for Pearl Fernandes to finish with composure.  

India continued to pile on the pressure with their sharp movements and fluid interchanges in attack. Right before half-time, in the 43rd minute, a beautiful Divyani cross found its way to Pearl, who swept it home effortlessly.

A rather quiet second half

The second half began scrappily, full of chances, offsides and near misses before India finally struck again.  In the 79th minute, Shveta Rani delivered a deep cross that Bonifilia Shullai flicked towards the goal, allowing Divyani Linda to capitalise on a finish at the line.

India managed to close the game smartly thereafter, and in added time, Divyani once again rose to the occasion, sliding in an Anita cross.

With the trophy secured, five wins in as many matches, 27 goals scored, and none conceded, India will now turn to their last match of the championship against Bangladesh on Sunday, August 31. Once billed as a title-decider, the clash will instead be a chance for the Young Tigresses to finish the tournament unbeaten, and undisputed champions the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship.

India U17 Women’s Team starting XI against Nepal

Munni (GK) (Surajmuni Kumari 78’), Taniya Devi Tonambam, Elizabed Lakra, Divyani Linda, Julan Nongmaithem (C) (Bonifilia Shullai 66’), Anushka Kumari (Beena Kumari 66’), Pearl Fernandes (Valaina Jada Fernandes 46′), Shveta Rani (Anita Dungdung 66’), Abhista Basnett, Nira Chanu Longjam, Alisha Lyngdoh.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.