Bangladesh under-17 women’s national team wrapped up their SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship campaign in style with a thrilling 4-3 victory over newly-crowned champions India in a dramatic clash at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Sunday.
Although their title hopes had already ended after a 1-1 draw against Bhutan in the previous round, the young Tigresses showed immense character to hand India their first defeat of the tournament — avenging their earlier 2-0 loss in the group stage.
The result had no impact on the standings, as India had already sealed the championship with 15 points from six matches. Bangladesh finished runners-up with 13 points from as many games. Still, the encounter turned into a classic filled with early drama, late goals, and a dramatic finish.
Bangladesh struck just 22 seconds after kick-off when Purnima Marma nodded in Mamoni Chakma’s cross — the fastest goal of the tournament. But defensive lapses soon cost them, as Anushka Kumari equalized for India in the eighth minute.
Alpi Akter restored Bangladesh’s lead in the 34th minute, capitalizing on an Indian goalkeeper’s error, before forward Sauravi Akanda Prity extended the advantage to 3-1 with a brilliant solo effort early in the second half. It was Prity’s sixth goal of the competition, and she later added a seventh to claim the Player of the Match award.
India, however, refused to go down without a fight. Substitute Pritika Barman pulled one back in the 65th minute, and with just two minutes remaining, Julan Nongmaithem unleashed a long-range strike to make it 3-3.
Just when it seemed Bangladesh would be denied a memorable win, fate intervened. In stoppage time, Prity’s fierce shot slipped through the goalkeeper’s hands, hit the post, and deflected off a defender into the net for an own goal. Moments later, the referee’s whistle confirmed Bangladesh’s dramatic 4-3 triumph.
The result left Indian players in tears despite clinching their maiden SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship title. For Bangladesh, the runners-up finish was made sweeter by defeating the champions in one of the most thrilling games of the tournament.
"Alhamdulillah, all praise to the Almighty. We needed this win after dropping points against Bhutan in such a disappointing way. Overall, the girls gave their best and it’s part of our learning process. Our main target is the AFC Asian Cup, and hopefully, we’ll have time to prepare and refine ourselves before then. I’m happy with the girls because they worked hard and delivered. As you saw, it was a very competitive match," said Bangladesh under-17 women’s head coach, Mahbubur Rahman Litu.
This was only the second edition of the competition. In 2023, Russia had won the title as an invited side. This year, India lifted their first crown, but Bangladesh ensured the tournament ended with fireworks.
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