India’s U17 women’s football team continued their impressive run at the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025, defeating Bangladesh 2-0 at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan.In a statement released by the All India Football Federation, “In what was billed as a clash of equals, the India’s U17 women’s team delivered a composed and commanding performance to earn their second straight victory at the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025 as they defeated Bangladesh 2-0 at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu on Friday, August 22, 2025.”
The statement added that , “Pearl Fernandes (14’) and Bonifilia Shullai (76’) were the scorers for India, who led 1-0 at half time. The win also consolidated India's top spot in the group. They have six points with two wins from two matches.”The AIFF noted that both sides came into the match with a rich history in the competition – four finals contested, two titles apiece. Yet, despite the hype, this encounter never truly lived up to the billing of a fierce rivalry. India’s disciplined performance ensured that Bangladesh were always playing catch-up.
Describing the defensive efforts, the statement read, “From the outset, the Young Tigresses looked focused and alert. Their defence was rock-solid, denying Bangladesh even the faintest sniff of goal. The central defensive pairing stayed compact, while full-backs tracked runs diligently. Whenever the line was breached, goalkeeper Munni was in the perfect position to effect saves.”
On the opening goal, AIFF said that in the 14th minute, right-back Divyani Linda made an inspired run from deep, picking up a loose ball and bulldozing her way through the midfield. As defenders converged on her, she smartly laid it off to Pearl Fernandes, who had been left unmarked at the edge of the box. Given time and space, Pearl unleashed a powerful left-footed effort. Though Bangladesh keeper Yearzan Begum got her gloves to it, she couldn’t keep it out.The statement stated, “India nearly doubled the lead in the 25th minute when Pritika Barman broke down the right and whipped in a teasing low cross. But Pearl’s heavy first touch let the opportunity slip.”
“Bangladesh tried to find a response, mostly through set-pieces. Sauravi Akanda Prity’s free-kick landed straight into Munni’s hands, while a Mamoni Chakma header from a corner went wide. Their brightest moment came in the 37th minute when Fatema Akter found herself in open space at the top of India’s box. Her fierce strike was on target, but Munni’s positioning was flawless, and she collected the ball safely,” as per AIFF.
Highlighting India’s defence, it said, “They nearly added a second in the 72nd minute, when Nira Chanu Longjam pounced on a loose ball and let fly from the edge of the box. This time, Begum made a fine save.”
“But India wasn't done. In the 76th minute, they struck from a set-piece. Alisha Lyngdoh curled in a corner from the right and found substitute Bonifilia Shullai unmarked. Positioning herself perfectly, Shullai guided the ball into the net with her right leg, doubling India’s advantage,” the statement added.
The remaining minutes were managed with maturity. India slowed the game down, held shape, and denied Bangladesh any late resurgence to take home three points, AIFF concluded.
India U17 Women: Munni (GK), Elizabed Lakra, Divyani Linda, Julan Nongmaithem (C) (Thandamoni Baskey 66'), Anushka Kumari, Pearl Fernandes (Bonifilia Shullai 62'), Shveta Rani (Anita Dungdung 62'), Abhista Basnett (Alena Devi Sarangthem 71'), Nira Chanu Longjam, Alisha Lyngdoh, Pritika Barman (Taniya Devi Tonambam 46'). (UNI)
