India win SAFF U17 Women’s Championship with 5-0 triumph over Nepal

India were crowned champions of the 2025 SAFF U17 Women’s Championship after a dominant 5-0 victory over Nepal in Thimphu. Pearl Fernandes and Divyani Linda scored two each, while Nira Chanu netted the opener. India remain unbeaten, scoring 27 goals without conceding

Hyderabad: India stamped their authority with a commanding 5-0 victory over Nepal at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu on Friday to clinch the 2025 SAFF U17 Women’s Championship title in style.

The Young Tigresses led 3-0 at half-time.

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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, while Nira Chanu Longjam (5’) netted the opener.

From the opening whistle, India dominated completely. The ball rarely entered their half as wave after wave of blue shirts pressed forward, pinning Nepal back and keeping the action away from goalkeeper Munni.

The floodgates opened early when, in the fifth minute, Nira Chanu struck from a set-piece, guiding the ball cleanly into the net. Ten minutes later, she turned provider, curling a cross into the box for Pearl Fernandes to finish with composure.

India continued to pile on the pressure with sharp movements and fluid attacking play. Just before half-time, in the 43rd minute, a Divyani cross found Pearl, who swept home her second goal.

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

India closed the game smartly thereafter, and in added time, Divyani once again rose to the occasion, sliding in an Anita cross to make it 5-0.

With the trophy secured, five wins in as many matches, 27 goals scored, and none conceded, India will now face 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.