India Aims for Perfect Finish in SAFF U-17 Women's Championship
India's Dominance in SAFF U-17 Women's Championship
New Delhi [India], August 31: Despite having secured the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship 2025 title ahead of schedule, head coach Joakim Alexandersson insists that the team's mission is not yet complete, as reported by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
With five matches played, the team has achieved five clean sheets and scored an impressive 27 goals, marking the highest number of goals ever recorded by India in a single SAFF age-group women's tournament. If they maintain another clean sheet in their upcoming match against Bangladesh on Sunday, it will be the first time India finishes a SAFF age-group tournament without conceding a goal.
While the championship is secured, the players are eager to pursue additional records. Alexandersson's squad will lift the trophy on Sunday evening, but they are determined to achieve a flawless record of six victories out of six matches to truly feel like champions.
“We approach the final game with the intention to win. I’ve told the girls that our goal is to develop as a team, and to do that, we must give our utmost in every match,” Alexandersson stated, as quoted by the AIFF.
“Overall, our performance has been commendable. I’m beginning to see the results of our training in our attacking plays, which is encouraging,” he added.
Midfielder Bonifilia Shullai echoed the coach's sentiments, saying, “I still don’t feel like champions. We believe our job isn’t finished until we hold the trophy and wear the gold medal. We want to win all six matches while keeping clean sheets.”
At just 15 years old, Bonifilia was part of the team that finished as runners-up to Bangladesh in last year’s SAFF U-16 Women’s Championship. She is now poised to claim the trophy this time around, having scored the second goal in India’s 2-0 victory over Bangladesh in the first leg last week.
“This feels special because, after last year’s experience, not just for me but for all the players from that U-16 squad, this is our chance for redemption. We lost then, but we’ve returned with a stronger mindset. This tournament has taught me that every setback is an opportunity to rise stronger,” Bonifilia remarked.
Looking ahead, the team is preparing for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in October, where they will face Uzbekistan and Kyrgyz Republic. For Alexandersson, a perfect performance in Bhutan will bolster their confidence as they aim to compete against Asia's elite.
“In this SAFF tournament, we have excelled at pressing our opponents, regaining possession in advantageous situations, and creating scoring chances. Our squad is filled with talented players, and the synergy has been crucial,” the coach noted.
“The goals and clean sheets instill a sense of strength in our defense. It’s a significant advantage as we head into the Asian qualifiers. However, conceding a goal in the last match wouldn’t be catastrophic. Our success here is invaluable, demonstrating our strength in both offense and defense,” the Swedish coach added.
Bonifilia, who has captained the team in the absence of regular captain Julan Nongmaithem, agreed that their regional triumph provides essential confidence for the challenges ahead.
“Winning this tournament not only boosts our confidence but also motivates us for the future. As the coach mentioned, we are currently the best in South Asia for our age group. This brings us pride and a responsibility to prove ourselves again in the Asian Cup qualifiers. This victory is just the beginning, and we aim to build on it,” said the Meghalayan.
India will face Bangladesh in the final match of the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship 2025 on Sunday at the Changlimithang Stadium.
The rivalry between India and Bangladesh has historically been a title decider in this tournament, with both teams having won two trophies each prior to the 2025 edition. However, this time, Bangladesh has struggled to match the dominance of the Young Tigresses. The upcoming match, initially anticipated as a decisive clash, now presents India with an opportunity to conclude the most commanding campaign in the tournament's history.