SAFF Women’s Championship 2026: Top three Indian players to watch out for against Bangladesh
These three Indians can seal the deal for the hosts.
The Indian women’s national team is all set to square off against defending champions Bangladesh in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 final, scheduled to be held on June 6 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.
Crispin Chettri’s women are currently unbeaten in the tournament. They registered back-to-back wins in the group stage matches and finished the group stage at the top of the table.
India registered a big 11-0 victory against the Maldives in their opening game. They faced off with the Bengal Tigresses in their second match, where they emerged victorious by a 3-0 scoreline courtesy of Pyari Xaxa, Lynda Kom Serto, and Malavika Prasad’s goals.
The Blue Tigresses faced Bhutan in the semi-final clash. The hosts edged out the Bhutanese side by a 1-0 result thanks to Sanfida Nongrum’s solitary strike.
With 15 goals scored in three matches, averaging five goals per match and three consecutive clean sheets in the process, India have been on a dream run throughout the campaign.
With the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 final just hours away, we take a closer look at the Indian players who can make a match-defining impact on the game.
Pyari Xaxa
Pyari Xaxa has been one of India’s most consistent performers in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026.
Xaxa found himself on the scoresheet in the Blue Tigresses’ commanding 11-0 win against the Maldives. She scored the opener against the defending champions in the group-stage fixture.
The midfielder also played an instrumental role coming off the bench against Bhutan in the semi-final. Crispin Chettri will rely on Xaxa’s presence at the heart of the pitch and her knack to find the back of the net in the title decider.
Also Read: India take on defending champions Bangladesh in SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 final
Panthoi Chanu
Panthoi Chanu comes next in the queue. The experienced goalkeeper has recorded three successive clean sheets in the ongoing tournament, leading the Indian defence line from the back.
Chanu’s commanding presence in the penalty box and her quick reflexes could be pivotal to thwart Bangladesh’s quick transitions and direct attacking moves.
The East Bengal FC goalkeeper has a big role to play for the Blue Tigresses in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 final.
Sangita Basfore
Her name often goes underrated, but Sangita Basfore has also been a key contributor in India’s unbeaten run to the final.
The East Bengal FC midfielder scored a goal against the Maldives in the opener. She racked up three assists to her name, playing a decisive role behind India’s dominating performance throughout the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026.
Basfore’s inch-perfect passing, ability to anchor the game in transitions, and her big-match impact could be decisive in the coming match.
When will India take on Bangladesh?
India will take on Bangladesh on June 6 at 6:30 PM IST.
Who are the defending champion of the SAFF Women’s Championship?
Bangladesh are the defending champion of the SAFF Women’s Championship.
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.
Shibashis is a sports journalist with over three years of experience covering Indian football. His work spans reporting, writing, and editing, with a strong focus on telling stories from across the Indian football landscape. Passionate about both Indian and European football, he continues to build his career by combining sharp reporting with a deep love for the game.