Bangladesh suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at the hands of India in the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship final at Pokhara Rangasala Stadium on Saturday, as the Indian girls reclaimed the title after two years.
India, led by newly-appointed head coach Pamela Conti, fielded their U-17 squad as part of preparations for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup. Captain Julan Nongmaithem struck first after receiving a precise pass from Pritika Barman, giving India an early lead.
Alva Devi Senjam continued to dominate in the final third, winning a penalty shortly after the hour mark that Elizabed Lakra converted calmly to make it 2-0. The visitors’ pressure never eased, and Pearl Fernandes, the tournament’s second-highest scorer with four goals, intercepted a ball from Bangladesh goalkeeper Mst Yearzan Begum to make it 3-0. Senjam capped off the scoring with a low cross that Anwita Raghuraman slotted home seven minutes from time.
Bangladesh had earlier entered the final with strong form, including a 12-0 rout of Bhutan, a 2-0 win over India, and a 4-0 victory against Nepal in the round-robin stage. However, they struggled to contain India’s high pressing and clinical finishing in the summit clash.
Bangladesh U-19 squad: Mst Yearzan Begum, Mst Surovi Akter Arfin, Mst Joynob Bibi Rita, Arpita Biswas, Protima Munda, Sorovi Rani, Most Munki Akhter, Kranuching Marma, Sree Moti Trishna Rani, Alpi Akter, Mamoni Chakma, Shanti Mardi, Mst Bonna Khatun, Rupa Akter, Purnima Marma, Mst Momita Khatun, Thuinuye Marma, Ayonto Bala Mahato, Puja Das, Sauravi Akanda Prity, Mst Mira Khatun, Meghla Rani Roy.
