“Bangladesh’s Spectacular Start in SAFF Under-19 Women’s Tournament”
The reigning champions Bangladesh made a spectacular start to the SAFF Under-19 Women’s Football Championship, asserting their dominance in style. In the tournament’s opening match at Pokhara’s Rangasala Stadium in Nepal today, the Red and Green side demolished Bhutan with a staggering 12-0 victory. From the first whistle, Bangladesh controlled the game, dismantling Bhutan’s defence with clinical precision under the guidance of coach Peter Butler.
Despite an early attacking approach, it took Bangladesh 27 minutes to open the scoring. The breakthrough came through Mamoni Chakma, who delivered a curling left-footed shot from a corner that found the back of the net. Replays were inconclusive on whether the ball brushed the Bhutan goalkeeper, but it still stood as an exquisite goal and set the tone for the rest of the match. Following Mamoni’s opener, Bangladesh surged ahead, adding two more goals before the interval to take a commanding 3-0 lead.
The second half saw Bangladesh intensify their attacking pressure. Players Alpi and Munkira orchestrated relentless raids, repeatedly breaking through Bhutan’s defensive lines. After conceding the fifth goal, Bhutan was forced to make a goalkeeper change, but this had little impact on the flow of the game. Bangladesh added their sixth goal in the 59th minute, followed by six more strikes, completing a remarkable 12-goal rout.
The playing conditions in Pokhara were challenging, with patches of bare ground and uneven turf making ball control difficult. Nonetheless, the Bangladeshi players adapted quickly, maintaining possession and fluidity throughout the game.
Match Summary:
| Team | Goals | Key Goal Scorers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 12 | Mamoni Chakma, Alpi, Munkira | Dominated possession; relentless attack |
| Bhutan | 0 | – | Forced goalkeeper change after 5 goals |
The four-nation tournament also features hosts Nepal and India, who will clash today at 3:15 PM Bangladesh time. The competition follows a league format, with the top two teams on the points table advancing to the final on 7 February.
Bangladesh has a strong legacy in SAFF youth tournaments. Out of six championships held across the Under-18, Under-19, and Under-20 categories, Bangladesh has lifted the trophy five times. In 2024, the team shared the Under-19 title with India in Dhaka, and last year they were crowned champions in the Under-20 edition. With such a record, the Red and Green side embarks on this year’s campaign aiming to retain the crown.
Bangladesh’s emphatic 12-0 victory over Bhutan sends a clear message to the other contenders: the defending champions are here to dominate once again.
