Bangladesh beat India U17s 2-0 in SAFF U19 Women’s Championship
India U17 women’s team lost 0-2 to Bangladesh in the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship at Pokhara, Nepal. Goals from Arpita Biswas and Alpi Akter sealed the win. India remain second in the table and next face Bhutan on February 4
Nepal: The India U17 women’s national team suffered a 0-2 defeat against Bangladesh in the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship 2026 at the Pokhara Rangasala Stadium in Nepal on Monday.
Bangladesh scored both their goals in the first half through Arpita Biswas (29’) and Alpi Akter (40’).
The India U17s, who are participating in the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship — a higher age-group tournament — as part of their preparation for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup, saw two changes in their starting XI from the 1-0 win against Nepal. Head coach Pamela Conti brought in Thandamoni Baskey for Anushka Kumari in midfield, while Pritika Barman replaced forward Valaina Fernandes.
India began on the front foot with a flurry of activity in front of the Bangladesh goal, creating two clear chances within the first five minutes. Elizabed Lakra’s free-kick was headed for the top corner, but Bangladesh goalkeeper Mst Yearzan Begum pulled off a fine save. Moments later, captain Julan Nongmaithem set up Pritika, whose shot went wide of the far post.
Pearl Fernandes and Alva Devi Senjam also tested the Bangladesh defence early, but Yearzan was alert to deny them. After surviving the initial onslaught, Bangladesh grew into the game. In the 29th minute, Mamoni Chakma’s cross was spilled by India custodian Munni, allowing Arpita Biswas to bundle the ball in.
Ten minutes later, Sree Moti Trishna Rani’s cross from the right bounced awkwardly in the Indian box, and Alpi Akter tapped it home to double the lead.
India came out with intent in the second half, but struggled on the uneven pitch. Thandamoni’s shot in the 51st minute was saved, while Munni denied Munki Akhter at the other end. Substitute Anwita Raghuraman had a chance in the 71st minute, but defender Mst Joynob Bibi Rita intervened at the last moment.
Pearl Fernandes attempted a late chip over the goalkeeper, but Bangladesh held firm to secure the win.
Bangladesh now lead the table with six points from two matches, while India are second with three points from as many games. India will face Bhutan on February 4 at 11:45 IST. The top two teams from the round-robin stage will qualify for the final.
