India’s U17 Women’s Football Team were crowned champions of the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025 in Bhutan, despite suffering a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Bangladesh in their final round-robin match. The Young Tigresses had already secured an unassailable lead in the points table with five consecutive wins, making the final result inconsequential to their title claim. Yet, the heartbreak of losing their unbeaten streak left many players in tears, underscoring the passion and pride that defined their campaign.
Held at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, the tournament followed a double round-robin format featuring four teams—India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. India’s dominance throughout the championship was evident in their goal tally, defensive record, and overall consistency. The final match, however, turned into a rollercoaster of emotions, with India fighting back thrice before conceding a last-minute goal that handed Bangladesh a consolation win.
🧭 India’s Match-by-Match Performance – SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025
| Matchday | Opponent | Result | Goal Scorers (India) | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 20 | Nepal | 7-0 Win | Anushka (3), Julan, Pritika, Abhista | Opening blitz, clean sheet |
| Aug 22 | Bangladesh | 2-0 Win | Anushka, Julan | Tactical control, early goals |
| Aug 24 | Bhutan | 8-0 Win | Multiple scorers | Record margin, midfield dominance |
| Aug 26 | Bhutan | 5-0 Win | Pritika (2), Abhista, Valaina | Rotation success, depth showcased |
| Aug 28 | Nepal | 5-0 Win | Julan, Anushka, Pritika | Defensive solidity, clinical finishing |
| Aug 31 | Bangladesh | 3-4 Loss | Anushka, Pritika, Julan | Emotional thriller, last-minute goal |
India finished the tournament with 15 points, 33 goals scored, and only 4 conceded—three of which came in the final match.
🔍 Final Match Breakdown: India vs Bangladesh (Aug 31)
The final game was a spectacle of grit and drama. Bangladesh stunned India with a goal in the opening 30 seconds, ending India’s clean sheet streak. Anushka Kumari equalized in the 9th minute, but Bangladesh kept regaining the lead. India’s captain Julan Nongmaithem leveled the score at 3-3 in the 89th minute, only for Bangladesh’s Sauravi Prity to score again in stoppage time, sealing a 4-3 win.
| Minute | Event | Scoreline |
|---|---|---|
| 1′ | Purnima Marma scores for Bangladesh | 0-1 |
| 9′ | Anushka Kumari equalizes | 1-1 |
| 34′ | Alpi Akter scores | 1-2 |
| 48′ | Sauravi Prity extends lead | 1-3 |
| 65′ | Pritika Barman pulls one back | 2-3 |
| 89′ | Julan equalizes | 3-3 |
| 90+2′ | Prity scores again | 3-4 |
Despite the loss, India’s earlier results had mathematically confirmed their championship title before kickoff.
📉 Tournament Standings – Final Table
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 6 | 5 | 1 | 33 | 4 | 15 |
| Bangladesh | 6 | 4 | 2 | 18 | 10 | 12 |
| Nepal | 6 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 25 | 3 |
| Bhutan | 6 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 25 | 6 |
India’s dominance was clear, with the highest goal difference and most wins.
🔥 Star Performers and Individual Accolades
| Player Name | Role | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Anushka Kumari | Forward | Top Scorer (8 goals) |
| Julan Nongmaithem | Captain, Midfield | Leadership, 4 goals, 3 assists |
| Pritika Barman | Winger | 5 goals, 2 assists |
| Abhista Basnett | Midfield | MVP of the Tournament |
| Munni Devi | Goalkeeper | 5 clean sheets |
Coach Joakim Alexandersson praised the team’s “balanced and confident approach,” noting that the final result “does not define our achievement but serves as a lesson going forward”.
🧠 Emotional Aftermath and Team Response
The final whistle saw tears flowing from several Indian players, visibly shaken by the dramatic defeat. Despite being crowned champions, the emotional toll of losing their unbeaten run was evident. The coaching staff and support team rallied around the players, reminding them of their overall success and the bigger picture ahead.
| Emotional Moment | Description |
|---|---|
| Post-match tears | Players consoled by staff and teammates |
| Captain’s speech | Julan: “We fought till the last second.” |
| Coach’s message | “This is not the end—it’s a beginning.” |
| AIFF statement | “Team spirit and determination reflect the future of Indian women’s football.” |
The team now shifts focus to the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, scheduled for October 2025.
📦 India’s Road Ahead: AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers
| Event | Date / Location | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| AFC U17 Qualifiers | October 2025, Bishkek | Secure berth in 2026 Asian Cup |
| Training Camp | September 2025, Bengaluru | Tactical refinement, fitness prep |
| Squad Rotation | Based on SAFF performance | Depth testing, injury management |
The SAFF Championship has served as a vital preparatory ground, showcasing India’s depth, tactical maturity, and mental resilience.
📌 Conclusion
India’s U17 Women’s team may have ended their SAFF Championship campaign with tears, but they walk away as champions—both on paper and in spirit. Their 4-3 loss to Bangladesh was a reminder of sport’s unpredictability, but also of the courage it takes to fight till the final whistle. With standout performances, emotional highs and lows, and a title to their name, the Young Tigresses have etched their names in South Asian football history. The journey continues, and the roar grows louder.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports and federation statements as of September 2, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute coaching, selection, or betting advice.
