SAFF Women's Championship: India Punch Finals Ticket With Win Over Bhutan

Last Updated:June 03, 2026, 23:45 IST

Sanfida Nongrum netted the lone strike of the game iin the 60th minute to set up a summit clash against Bangladesh.

Five-time champions India secured their place in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship with a hard-fought 1-0 win over a stubborn Bhutan in the second semifinal on Wednesday.

India, who finally broke the deadlock through Sanfida Nongrum in the 60th minute, will face defending champions Bangladesh in the title clash at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday.

After storming into the knockouts with 14 goals from two group matches, the hosts were widely expected to dominate. However, Bhutan once again showcased the defensive organisation that has taken them to a third successive semifinal.

Despite being ranked nearly 100 places above Bhutan at 69th in the FIFA rankings, India, though enjoying long spells of possession, struggled to breach a compact Bhutan defence in a goalless first half.

The Blue Tigresses fashioned a few chances through Karishma, Soumya Guguloth and Aveka Singh, but wasteful finishing and sharp goalkeeping ensured the scores remained 0-0 at half-time.

Bhutan, for their part, posed a threat on the counter and wasted a couple of promising openings.

India finally made the pressure count when midfielder Sanfida struck the decisive goal, handing the hosts the lead they had been chasing all evening.

Coach Crispin Chhetri then introduced experienced forwards, including Manisha Kalyan and Pyari Xaxa, as India pushed for a second goal. Bhutan, however, refused to wilt and continued to trouble the Indian backline with occasional counterattacks.

India created more chances in the closing minutes but could not extend their advantage.

Bhutan, though spirited, lacked the cutting edge needed to force extra time, and India held firm to seal a narrow victory.

The Blue Tigresses now stand just one win away from reclaiming the title they last lifted in 2019.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh defeated Nepal 2-1 in the first semifinal to reach their third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship final, thanks to substitute Sagorika’s stoppage-time winner. Bangladesh have won the last two editions of the tournament, held in 2022 and 2024.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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