In what was billed as the marquee clash of the tournament so far, India’s U-17 women’s team turned a supposed even contest into a statement of dominance, defeating Bangladesh 2-0 at the Changlimithang Stadium on Friday.
The result means the Young Tigresses remain unbeaten at the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship 2025, sitting comfortably at the top of the table with six points from two matches. Having dismantled Nepal 7-0 in their opener, this win was different; it was less about flair and more about maturity, control, and knowing when to strike.
India and Bangladesh have shared one of South Asia’s fiercest youth football rivalries. They’ve contested four finals in this age category, each winning two titles. Bangladesh had even edged India on penalties in last year’s U-16 tournament, leaving the Indian dugout dejected.
That backdrop gave Friday’s meeting a sense of balance, perhaps even revenge. But once the whistle blew, parity gave way to Indian authority. From the first quarter of an hour, it became clear that the match would be dictated by the Tigresses in blue.
The breakthrough came in the 14th minute, through a passage of play that demonstrated India’s intent. Centre-back Divyani Linda picked up a loose ball deep in her half and drove forward, brushing off two challenges. Spotting space at the edge of the Bangladesh box, she slipped it to Pearl Fernandes. Fernandes, calm and clinical, struck with her left foot.
Bangladesh goalkeeper Yearzan Begum got a hand to it but couldn’t stop the shot from rippling the net. India had their lead, and with it, full control of the contest.
While India pressed and probed, Bangladesh’s moments came in isolation. A header that sailed wide, a long-range effort straight at goalkeeper Munni,nothing that genuinely troubled the Indian defence.
The Indian full-backs, especially Pritika Barman and Alisha Lyngdoh, kept attacking forward, ensuring Bangladesh were always held back.
India’s composure was rewarded again in the 76th minute. This time, it was a set-piece routine that unlocked the Bangladeshi defence. Lyngdoh’s corner from the right found substitute Bonifilia Shullai unmarked in the six-yard box. Rising above her marker, she placed a precise header past Begum to double India’s advantage.
If Bangladesh still harboured hopes of a comeback, that goal extinguished them. The remaining minutes were played at India’s pace, as the Tigresses kept possession and denied their rivals any chance.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of India’s win was the composure with which they managed the closing stages. For a group of 15- and 16-year-olds, the maturity was remarkable.
Head coach Joakim Alexandersson had demanded consistency after the big win over Nepal, and his players delivered just that. Where the first game showcased ruthlessness, the second showed resilience and control – qualities that win championships.
With six points from two games, India has taken a commanding position in the round-robin format. Bangladesh, tipped to be their biggest rival, were made to look ordinary. That in itself sends a strong message to the rest of the field: this Indian side is not just about talent but also about discipline and game management.
With two games down, India has four more to go. They will face Bhutan next on 24th August. If the Young Tigresses can maintain this balance between flair and maturity, the road to another SAFF crown looks wide open.
Yash Desai is a renowned journalist with over 10+ years of experience covering sports around the world. He began his career as a News Reporter in Delhi, India, and got an opportunity to cover several World events, including the Olympics, Paralympics, and World Games. He often felt that women’s sports are sidelined and given step-motherly treatment by the mainstream media. To bridge this gap and to build an equal playing field, Yash co-founded FemaleInSports and is currently working as a Lead Editor here.
