Blue Tigresses blank Bangladesh to secure pole position in Group B
Margao, May 31
India defeated Bangladesh 3-0 to secure top spot in Group B of the SAFF Women's Championship 2026 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Sunday.
It was the Blue Tigresses' first win over Bangladesh in seven years after losing their previous two matches against them in the 2022 and 2024 editions of the tournament. Pyari Xaxa opened the scoring in the first half in the 36th minute before second-half goals from Lynda Kom Serto (78' p) and Malavika P (90+1') sealed an impressive victory, according to a release.
With a perfect six points from two matches after their earlier 11-0 demolition of the Maldives, India emerged as Group B toppers and will now face Bhutan in the semi-final on June 3 at 20:00. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will take on Nepal in the other semi-final earlier in the day at 16:00.
Both teams began the contest with purpose and intensity. Bangladesh nearly stunned the hosts in the second minute when a momentary lapse in concentration from Shilky Devi Hemam allowed Anika Rania Siddiqui an early opening. India goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam, however, kept the danger at bay.
That early scare appeared to settle India. The hosts gradually assumed control of the contest through crisp passing combinations and intelligent use of the flanks. Their midfield dictated the tempo, while aerial deliveries repeatedly tested the Bangladesh defence.
India created several promising opportunities before eventually taking the lead. Sanfida Nongrum was presented with a good chance in the 22nd minute after controlling the ball brilliantly on the right wing, but she rushed her effort and dragged it wide despite having plenty of space to advance further.
Five minutes later, Pyari Xaxa squandered what looked like a straightforward opportunity. A teasing cross found the striker completely unmarked inside the box, but she failed to direct her header on target.
Pyari, however, made amends in style in the 36th minute. Shilky launched a long ball towards the Bangladesh penalty area, and a poor clearance from Kohati Kisku fell invitingly into Pyari's path. The striker showed great composure, taking a moment to steady herself before firing a powerful right-footed effort into the bottom corner beyond goalkeeper Mile Akter.
The goal gave India confidence, and they comfortably managed the remainder of the first half to carry a deserved 1-0 lead into the interval.
India resumed with the same attacking intent after the break and nearly doubled their advantage in the 51st minute. Bangladesh goalkeeper Mile Akter spilt a dangerous cross into the six-yard area, but Pyari was denied by a desperate defensive intervention as Bangladesh threw bodies in the way.
Substitute striker Lynda Kom Serto almost made an immediate impact after replacing Aveka Singh in the 66th minute. Just two minutes later, she raced through on goal following a well-weighted pass but saw her fierce effort pushed away by Mile.
India finally secured breathing space in the 78th minute. Sanfida, who had been influential throughout, found substitute Malavika near the edge of the penalty area. As Malavika drove into the box, she was brought down by Mst Surma Jannat, leaving the referee with little hesitation in awarding a penalty. Lynda stepped up confidently and drilled her spot-kick into the bottom-right corner.
The hosts completed a memorable evening in stoppage time. Sangita Basfore's superb cross from the right was expertly controlled by Malavika, who then calmly slotted home from close range in the 91st minute.
It was a fitting end to a commanding performance as India marched into the semi-finals with momentum, confidence and renewed belief that they can reclaim the SAFF Women's Championship crown after seven years.
India: 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').
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's so good to see women's football getting this attention! The team showed real character today, especially after that early scare from Bangladesh. Pyari Xaxa's story is inspiring - from wasting a chance to scoring the opener, that's the mark of a true fighter. Let's hope they go all the way to win the trophy! 🏆
Honest opinion: The first half was nervy. We could have conceded early, and Pyari should have scored that header. But once she took her goal brilliantly, the composure returned. Lynda and Malavika made an impact from the bench - that's the sign of a good squad. Still, need to be more clinical in the semi-finals. Nepal and Bhutan won't be easy.
So proud of our Blue Tigresses! 🐯 That 11-0 win over Maldives was one thing, but beating Bangladesh when it matters most is something else. The way our midfield dominated the game was really encouraging. Let's bring the trophy home after seven years! 🇮🇳
Finally our women's football team is getting recognition. But we need to talk about the missed chances - we could have scored 5-6 goals today if we were more clinical in front of goal. Sanfida Nongrum worked hard but her finishing needs improvement. Still, a convincing win and full points. Well done, girls! Now focus on Bhutan.
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