India thrashed Bangladesh with 4-0 win to reclaim the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship title in Nepal.
The breakthrough came early when skipper Julan Nongmaithen found the net, latching onto a through ball from Pritika Barman and finishing with assurance. Alva Devi Senjam played a key role in the move and troubled the defence throughout the match.
Soon after the hour mark, Senjam won a penalty. Elizabed Lakra stepped up and converted from the spot to make it 2-0. Bangladesh looked shaken after the goal.
India then struck again through high pressing. Pearl Fernandes, one of the tournament’s top scorers, dispossessed goalkeeper Mst Yearzan Begum and slotted the ball into the net.
The pressure continued until the final whistle. Late in the game, Senjam delivered a low cross into the box. Anwita Raghuraman guided it home to complete the scoring.
India fielded an under-17 squad in the under-19 tournament. The decision was part of preparations for the AFC Asian Cup under new head coach Pamela Conti.
Earlier, India beat Nepal 1-0 and thrashed Bhutan 8-0 in the group stage. The title win came after two years. It also served as revenge for the earlier 0-2 defeat to Bangladesh in the tournament.
