SAFF U-17 Women’s Championships: India Take Crown Despite Bangladesh Shock

The Indian Women’s U17 Team clinched the top prize at the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championships in Thimpu, Bhutan on Sunday despite slumping to a 3-4 defeat to Bangladesh in their final league game.

India topped the tournament, which was played in a double-round robin format among four nations, with 15 points to their name at the end of six matches.

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India secured the title even before Sunday’s match, having won five consecutive matches. Earlier, India defeated Bangladesh 2-0 in their first league encounter on August 22.

Bangladesh had a dream start when Purnima Marma scored in the opening minute, but Anushka Kumari equalised for India in the ninth minute. Alpi Akter regained the lead for Bangladesh in the 34th minute, and Sauravi Prity extended it to 3-1 in the 48th minute.

India mounted a comeback with Pritika Barman narrowing the gap in the 65th minute and skipper Julan levelling the score in the 89th minute. However, Prity struck again in stoppage time, securing the victory for Bangladesh at the Changlimithang Stadium.

The Indian team will now base in Bengaluru to continue preparations for the upcoming AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in October in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.