THIMPHU, Aug 31:
India s Young Tigresses were crowned champions of the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025 today despite suffering a 3-4 defeat to Bangladesh at Changlimithang Stadium.
The win ensured India maintained an unassailable lead in the points table with a game in hand.
Bangladesh drew first blood within 30 seconds through Purnima Marma, marking the first goal India conceded in the tournament. India responded in the ninth minute with Anushka Kumari’s composed finish. Bangladesh regained the lead in the 34th minute via Alpi Akter and extended it to 3-1 in the 48th minute through Sauravi Prity.
India fought back in the second half, with Pritika Barman reducing the deficit in the 65th minute and skipper Julan Nongmaithem equalising in the 89th minute. However, Prity scored in injury time to hand Bangladesh the 4-3 victory.
The Young Tigresses finished the Championship with five wins and one loss, completing one of the most dominant campaigns in SAFF U17 Women s history under coach Joakim Alexandersson.
India will now return to Bengaluru to prepare for the AFC U17 Women s Asian Cup Qualifiers in October in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.
India U17 Women s squad: Munni (GK), Taniya Devi Tonambam (Valaina Jada Fernandes 46 ), Elizabed Lakra, Divyani Linda, Julan Nongmaithem (C), Anushka Kumari, Pearl Fernandes (Thandamoni Baskey 13 ), Shveta Rani (Pritika Barman 46 ), Abhista Basnett, Nira Chanu Longjam (Bonifilia Shullai 77 ), Alisha Lyngdoh (Alena Devi Sarangthem 56 ).
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