India eye SAFF U19 Women’s crown as Bangladesh awaits in Final

India finished second in the group stage

The SAFF U19 Women’s Championship 2026 is set for a fitting final as India and Bangladesh lock horns in the final, with regional pride and the title on the line. After navigating a competitive round-robin phase, the two strongest sides of the tournament have earned their place in the showdown.

While Bangladesh arrives with momentum after finishing top of the table, India will see this final as a chance to settle scores and cap off their campaign on a high, with the added incentive of securing their first trophy under head coach Pamela Conti.

Expect a high-intensity clash as familiarity between the sides adds an extra edge to an already mouth-watering contest.

Head coach Pamela Conti expressed optimism ahead of the big final, “We have seen improvement in every game, especially in our play and in how we position ourselves with the ball. Of course, we want to win because it is a final, but the most important thing is that the team gains confidence on the ball and does not fear playing. I hope tomorrow we can play a very good match.”

“These experiences are part of their growth. We have to work on understanding that even if we don’t score, it’s okay. We keep going, we don’t drop our heads. We must always lift our heads and move forward,” said Conti.

Stakes

Bangladesh U19:

For Bangladesh, the final is about seeing the job through. As the most successful team in the history of the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship, they topped the group and already got the better of India in the league stage and will now be eager to stamp their authority once again.

Lifting the title would cap off a controlled and disciplined campaign, while further reinforcing Bangladesh’s status as the dominant force in South Asian women’s football.

India U19:

For India, the final represents much more than a chance to lift the trophy. India have fielded their U17 squad in the U19 tournament under head coach Pamela Conti, using the championship as a vital step in their preparations for the upcoming AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup.

Competing against older and more experienced sides has tested the young group’s character, making this campaign as much about development as results.

Reaching the final already signals progress but winning it would carry deeper meaning. A title would not only mark Pamela Conti’s first trophy in charge but also validate India’s long-term vision of building from the grassroots.

For this young side, lifting the SAFF crown would be a defining moment, proof that learning and winning can go hand in hand.

Team News

Bangladesh head coach, Peter Butler is expected to have a fully fit squad at his disposal for the upcoming encounter, with no fresh injury concerns heading into the final.

Similarly, India head coach Pamela Conti will be relieved after her side came through the previous match comfortably, ensuring she has all her players available for selection on the big day.

Head-to-Head Record

Matches Played – 12

Bangladesh U19 wins – 6

India U19 wins – 3

Draws – 3

Predicted Lineups

Bangladesh U19 (4-2-3-1)

Yearzan Begum (GK), Arpita Biswas, Surovi Arfin, Joynob Rita, Puja Das, Munki Akhter, Kranuching Marma, Sauravi Prity, Alpi Akter, Mamoni Chakma, Sree Trishna Rani

India U19 (4-2-3-1)

Munni (GK), Elibazed Lakra, Taniya Devi, Abhista Basnett, Alva Devi, Divyani Linda, Anukshka Kumari, Thanda Baskey, Redima Chingkhamayum, Valaina Fernandes, Pearl Fernandes

Players to Watchout

Munki Akhter (Bangladesh)

Munki Akhter has quickly emerged as one of the brightest talents in Bangladesh women’s football, delivering standout performances for both club and country. A key figure in Bangladesh’s SAFF U20 Women’s Championship triumph in 2025, she has carried that form into the 2026 edition with confidence.

After scoring four goals against Bhutan to put herself firmly in the Golden Boot race, Akhter also impressed in the previous meeting against India. With her intelligent movement and sharp link-up play, the midfielder remains central to Bangladesh’s attacking threat as they look to maintain their momentum in the final.

Pearl Fernandes (India)

Pearl Fernandes has been a very crucial figure for the India women’s team in this tournament, making a strong impact at the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship.

The young forward scored the decisive goal against Nepal and has continued her rise as a key attacking presence under Pamela Conti, building on her performances in the AFC U17 Women’s Championship qualifiers.

She will once again be central to India’s hopes in the final, looking to trouble the Bangladesh defense with her intelligent movement and sharp positioning, while staying clinical in front of goal when it matters most.

Match Details

The SAFF U19 Women’s Championship final between the India U19 women’s team and the Bangladesh U19 women’s team will kick off at 1:45 PM IST. The match will be streamed live on the Sportzworkz YouTube channel.

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