India's U17 women's team continued their dominant run in the SAFF U17 Women's Championship 2025, securing a decisive 5-0 victory against hosts Bhutan at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. This win marks their fourth consecutive victory in the tournament, further solidifying their position at the top of the table.
This was the second time India and Bhutan have faced off in the tournament in the space of four days, with the previous encounter ending in an 8-0 victory for the Young Tigresses. In this latest match, India wasted no time in asserting their dominance. Anushka Kumari, who scored a hat-trick in the previous game against Bhutan, continued her impressive form, scoring twice in this match and also assisting the fifth goal. Her performance brings her total to seven goals in the tournament, putting her in the lead for the golden boot. Shveta Rani, Julan Nongmaithem, and Nira Chanu Longjam also contributed to the scoreline with one goal each.
The match began with India immediately putting pressure on Bhutan's defense. Bhutan, after conceding 13 goals in their previous three matches, were keen to tighten up their defense, but India's relentless attacks made that difficult. In the 4th minute, Anushka Kumari broke through, receiving a perfectly-threaded pass and calmly slotting it past Bhutan's goalkeeper, Kelzang Wangmo. India nearly doubled their lead soon after through Pearl Fernandes, but a Bhutan defender bravely blocked her shot. The Young Tigresses continued to create opportunities, particularly from set-pieces. In the 16th minute, Anushka Kumari scored again with a powerful free-kick. India's third goal came in the 24th minute when a poor clearance from Wangmo ricocheted off Pearl and fell to Shveta Rani, who scored easily. Anushka nearly secured another hat-trick before halftime, but her shot hit the crossbar.
Maintaining control after the break, India continued to dictate the tempo, pushing Bhutan further into their own half. In the 77th minute, Julan Nongmaithem scored the fourth goal after receiving a clever pass from Abhista Basnett. In stoppage time, a wayward goal kick fell to Anushka, who passed to Nira Chanu Longjam, who then scored to make it 5-0.
With this win, India sits at the top of the group with 12 points from four matches. Bangladesh is in second place with nine points, followed by Nepal with three, while Bhutan is yet to earn a point. India has now scored 22 goals and conceded none in the tournament.
India's starting lineup included Munni (GK), Taniya Devi Tonamabam, Elizabed Lakra, Divyani Linda, Julan Nongmaithem, Anushka Kumari, Shveta Rani, Bonifilia Shullai, Abhista Basnett, and Nira Chanu Longjam.
The SAFF U17 Women's Championship 2025 is the 7th edition of the tournament, organized by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF). The tournament is being held in Bhutan from August 20–31, 2025, with four teams participating. Bangladesh is the defending champion, having won the title in 2024 after defeating India in a penalty shootout. India previously defeated Nepal 7-0 and Bangladesh 2-0 in the tournament.
