Dominance defined India’s Under-17 women’s outing in the SAFF Under-19 Women’s Championship as they thrashed Bhutan 8-0 at Pokhara Rangshala. The result locks in a final clash with Bangladesh on February 7, promising a high-stakes South Asian showdown.
Leading the charge was Pearl Fernandes with a flawless hat-trick. Pritika Barman netted twice, with goals from Alisha Lyngdoh, Abhista Basnet, and Divyani Linda completing the rout. The Indian youngsters exhibited superior skill, stamina, and strategy throughout.
Control was immediate: Alisha’s sixth-minute screamer from afar opened accounts. Abhista pounced on Pritika’s delivery for number two. Pearl’s exquisite finish off a through ball made it three, Divyani’s opportunistic strike four. Pritika’s 25th-minute curler from the flank swelled the lead, and Pearl’s double before the break hit seven.
Substitutions in the second period didn’t dull the edge. Chances abounded, the bar rattled twice, and Pritika’s final-minute goal crowned an unforgettable victory. Player of the Match Pritika exemplified the team’s spirit.
Standing tall with six points, India trails Bangladesh—who crushed Nepal 4-0—by three. Nepal claims third with three points; Bhutan none. Participating at U19 level, India’s U17 core gears up for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in China, their prowess on full display.