Bangladesh defeated India 4-3 in a thrilling encounter in their sixth and final match of the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship 2025 on Sunday at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan.

India had already secured the championship after defeating Bangladesh in the first leg, while Bangladesh finished as runners-up, ending the tournament on a high note with a hard-fought victory over the competition’s top side.

The action-packed match saw Bangladesh take the lead in just 23 seconds when Purnima Marma headed in a cross from Mamoni Chakma. Anushka Kumari equalized for India eight minutes later following a defensive error.

Alpi Akter restored Bangladesh’s lead in the 34th minute after a goalmouth scramble. Shortly after the restart, Sauravi Akanda Prity put Bangladesh firmly in control, outpacing defenders and slotting the ball past Indian goalkeeper Munni.

India fought back as Pritika Barman scored in the 65th minute, followed by Julan Nongmaithem leveling the score with a long-range strike a minute before full time. Just when the game seemed headed for a draw, Prity sealed Bangladesh’s victory with her second goal in stoppage time.

Bangladesh had opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over Bhutan, suffered a 2-0 loss to India, bounced back with wins against Nepal (3-0 and 4-1), but a 1-1 draw against hosts Bhutan had previously dented their title hopes.

MN/