India Triumphs Over Bangladesh 3-0 in SAFF Women's Championship
India Secures Victory Against Bangladesh
Margao (Goa) [India], May 31: In a decisive match at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, India emerged victorious against Bangladesh with a score of 3-0, clinching the top position in Group B of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026.
This victory marked the Blue Tigresses' first win over Bangladesh in seven years, having faced defeats in their last two encounters during the 2022 and 2024 tournaments. Pyari Xaxa initiated the scoring in the first half at the 36th minute, followed by second-half goals from Lynda Kom Serto (78' penalty) and Malavika P (90+1'), solidifying a remarkable win.
With a flawless six points from two matches, including an earlier 11-0 rout of the Maldives, India topped Group B and is set to face Bhutan in the semi-finals on June 3 at 20:00. Bangladesh will compete against Nepal in the other semi-final earlier that day at 16:00.
Both teams entered the match with high energy. Bangladesh nearly caught India off guard in the second minute when a lapse from Shilky Devi Hemam allowed Anika Rania Siddiqui a chance, but India’s goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam thwarted the attempt.
Following that scare, India gradually took control of the game with effective passing and strategic use of the wings. Their midfield dictated the pace, consistently challenging the Bangladesh defense with aerial balls.
India created several chances before finally breaking the deadlock. In the 22nd minute, Sanfida Nongrum had a promising opportunity but rushed her shot wide despite having space to advance.
Five minutes later, Pyari Xaxa missed a clear chance when a cross found her unmarked in the box, but her header went off target.
However, Pyari redeemed herself in the 36th minute. A long ball from Shilky found Pyari after a poor clearance from Kohati Kisku, and she calmly placed a powerful shot into the bottom corner, giving India a 1-0 lead.
With renewed confidence, India managed the remainder of the first half effectively, heading into the break with a deserved lead.
After halftime, India maintained their attacking momentum and nearly doubled their lead in the 51st minute when a dangerous cross was spilled by Bangladesh's goalkeeper Mile Akter, but Pyari was denied by a last-ditch defensive effort.
Substitute Lynda Kom Serto made an immediate impact after coming on in the 66th minute, racing through on goal just two minutes later, but her powerful shot was saved by Mile.
India finally extended their lead in the 78th minute. Sanfida, who had been pivotal throughout the match, set up Malavika near the penalty area. After being fouled by Mst Surma Jannat, Lynda confidently converted the penalty into the bottom-right corner.
The hosts capped off a stellar performance in stoppage time. A brilliant cross from Sangita Basfore was expertly controlled by Malavika, who finished from close range in the 91st minute.
This commanding win propels India into the semi-finals with renewed confidence and determination to reclaim the SAFF Women’s Championship title after a seven-year gap.
India's lineup included: Panthoi Chanu Elangbam (GK, C), Purnima Kumari (Juli Kishan 90'), Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Shilky Devi Hemam, Sangita Basfore, Soumya Guguloth (Priyangka Devi Naorem 46'), Sanfida Nongrum, Astam Oraon, Pyari Xaxa (Malavika P 66'), Jasoda Munda (Karishma Shirvoikar 83'), Aveka Singh (Lynda Kom Serto 66').