Bangladesh Tigresses Crush India to Secure SAFF U-19 Final Berth

On Monday, February 2, Bangladesh secured a spot in the final of the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship with a game to spare, after a dominant 2-0 victory over arch-rivals India in Pokhara, Nepal. With this win, the defending champions sit comfortably at the top of the table with 6 points from two matches.

The girls in red and green dictated the tempo from the opening whistle, keeping the Indian side under constant pressure. Arpita Biswas broke the deadlock in the 30th minute to give Bangladesh the lead. While India attempted to regroup after conceding, Alpi Akter doubled the advantage just four minutes later with a clinical finish.

Bangladesh maintained their 2-0 cushion until the final whistle, frequently threatening the Indian defense to extend the lead further. With this result, the Bangladeshi side boasts a staggering goal difference of +14. According to tournament bylaws, the upcoming final is scheduled for February 7, where the Young Tigresses will look to retain their crown.