Bangladesh Claim Second Straight Win

Bangladesh’s Under-19 women extended their commanding start to the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship with a composed 2–0 victory over India at the Rangashala Stadium in Pokhara, Nepal. Coming on the back of a record-setting opening match against Bhutan, the result secured a second successive win for Peter Butler’s side and lifted them to the top of the league table with a perfect six points from two matches. India, who had begun their campaign by defeating hosts Nepal, remain second with three points from the same number of fixtures.

Bangladesh had set the tone for the tournament with a remarkable opening performance, striking a dozen goals past Bhutan. Munki Akter netted four times in that rout, while Alpi Akter and Trishna Rani each completed hat-tricks, underlining the depth and variety of Bangladesh’s attacking options. India’s opening-day victory over Nepal suggested a stern examination lay ahead in Pokhara, and the early exchanges bore that out. India pressed high and sought to dominate possession during the opening quarter-hour, testing Bangladesh’s defensive shape and patience.

Gradually, however, Bangladesh asserted control of midfield and began to threaten on the break. Their breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute from a well-worked set-piece. Mamni Chakma’s teasing free-kick caused confusion in the Indian penalty area; goalkeeper Munni failed to gather cleanly, and Arpita Biswas reacted quickest at the goal line to prod home from close range. The lead was doubled before the interval when Trishna Rani surged down the right flank and delivered a precise low cross for Alpi Akter, who finished calmly to give Bangladesh a 2–0 cushion at half-time.

At the other end, goalkeeper Eyarzan Begum proved decisive. Within a five-minute spell in the first half, she denied India twice—first by leaping to claim a curling direct free-kick, and then by parrying a powerful long-range strike from Pratika Barma. Her assured handling and positioning steadied a back line that remained compact and disciplined throughout the contest.

India emerged after the break with renewed urgency, committing numbers forward in search of a response. Yet Bangladesh’s defensive unit, well-drilled and alert to counter-attacking opportunities, held firm. Timely interceptions and measured clearances blunted India’s pressure, while Bangladesh managed the tempo intelligently to see out a professional victory without conceding.

The current SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship is being contested on a round-robin basis by four teams, following the absence of Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives. Bangladesh and India are the reigning joint champions, having shared the title in 2024. The top two teams at the end of the league phase will meet in the final scheduled for 7 February. Bangladesh will next face hosts Nepal on Wednesday, with victory likely to secure their place in the decider.

Current Standings (after two rounds)

With an in-form forward line, a goalkeeper in commanding form, and a defence that has yet to be breached, Bangladesh have emerged as early favourites for the title. Their blend of clinical finishing and tactical discipline suggests a side growing in confidence and maturity as the tournament gathers momentum.