India clinches SAFF U17 championship despite narrow loss to Bangladesh
Despite a 3-4 loss to Bangladesh in their final match, India’s Young Tigresses secured the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship title with five wins and one loss, topping the points table
Hyderabad: India’s Young Tigresses ended their campaign at the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025 with a dramatic 3-4 loss to Bangladesh at Changlimithang Stadium, Bhutan, on Sunday. However, despite the defeat, they were crowned champions due to an unassailable lead in the points table with a game to spare.
India completed the tournament with five wins and one loss, making it an impressive campaign overall.
Match Summary:
The game started with a bang as Purnima Marma gave Bangladesh the lead within the first minute. India responded in the 9th minute with a brilliant equalizer from Anushka Kumari, who skilfully dribbled past defenders and the goalkeeper to find the net.
However, Bangladesh regained the lead in the 34th minute through Alpi Akter, who scored after a scramble in the Indian penalty area. Bangladesh further extended their advantage early in the second half, with Sauravi Prity adding another in the 48th minute to make it 3-1.
India fought back with relentless pressure and scored in the 65th minute through Pritika Barman, reducing the gap to 3-2. India’s continued attack finally paid off when Julan, the Indian captain, found the back of the net in the 89th minute to equalize.
But Bangladesh struck in injury time, with Sauravi Prity scoring again to seal a dramatic 4-3 victory.
Team’s Resilience and Future:
While the defeat was a setback, the Young Tigresses remained calm and focused, having already secured the top spot in the group with their earlier wins. Coach’s sentiment echoed in the press conference: “It’s not the end of the world,” referring to the loss.
India now looks ahead to the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in October, which will take place in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. The team will travel to Bengaluru for further preparations.
