Bangladesh suffered a 3-0 defeat to hosts India in their second and final Group B match of the SAFF Women's Championship 2026 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Sunday.
Goals from Pyari Xaxa, Lynda Kom and Malavika secured India's second consecutive victory, helping the five-time champions top the group with a perfect six points and book their place in the semi-finals as group winners.
Both teams had already secured qualification for the last four before kick-off after defeating Maldives in their opening matches.
Defending champions Bangladesh will now face Group A winners Nepal in Wednesday's semi-final, while India will take on Bhutan in the other last-four clash.
The result marked India's first victory over Bangladesh in seven years. The Bengal Tigresses had won the previous two meetings between the sides in the last two editions of the SAFF Women's Championship.
Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler made a notable change to his starting line-up, leaving out regular centre-back Afeida Khandaker, while Monika Chakma returned to midfield after missing the opening game.
Bangladesh nearly made another lightning start through Anika Rani Siddique, who had scored after just 11 seconds against Maldives. In the second minute, Anika dispossessed Shilky Devi Hemam just outside the box, cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot that was well saved by Indian goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu.
The visitors continued to press early on. Maria Manda delivered a dangerous cross into the area in the eighth minute, but Shamsunnahar Jr was unable to connect as both sides battled fiercely in midfield.
India eventually broke the deadlock in the 36th minute. Pyari Xaxa capitalised on a failed clearance by Kohati Kisku from a long cross, rounded goalkeeper Mile Akter and calmly slotted home.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 78th minute when substitute Lynda Kom converted from the penalty spot after Surma Jannat fouled Malavika inside the box.
Another substitute, Malavika, completed the scoring late in the game, finishing from close range after meeting a cross inside the six-yard area.
In Group A, Nepal finished top with two wins from two matches, while Bhutan claimed second place after defeating Sri Lanka, who lost both of their matches.
Bangladesh are aiming to win the SAFF Women's Championship for a third consecutive time after lifting the trophy in the previous two editions, while India strengthened their status as one of the tournament favourites with the commanding victory.
