SAFF Women’s Championship 2026: India beats Bangladesh 3-0; against Bhutan in the semi-final

India defeated Bangladesh 3-0 to secure top spot in Group B of the 2026 SAFF Women’s Championship at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa.

Pyari Xaxa opened the scoring in the 36th minute before second-half goals from substitutes Lynda Kom Serto and Malavika P. sealed the victory. India ended the group stage with six points from two matches after an earlier 11-0 win over Maldives and will face Bhutan in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

It was India’s first win over Bangladesh in the competition since 2019, following defeats in the 2022 and 2024 editions.

Bangladesh started with purpose and almost caught India cold in the second minute when an error from Shilky Devi Hemam gave Anika Rania Siddiqui an early opening. However, goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam managed to contain the danger.

READ LIVE UPDATES OF THE MATCH AS IT HAPPENED HERE

That fear calmed India, who gradually took control through better passing and stronger use of the flanks. Sanfida Nongrum, who set up the midfield well, had a chance in the 22nd minute after controlling the ball on the right, but dragged her effort wide. Five minutes later, Pyari failed to direct her header on target from a promising cross.

The striker made up for it in the 36th minute. Shilky’s long ball towards the Bangladesh penalty area was not cleared well by Kohati Kisku, and Pyari showed composure to steady himself before firing a right-footed shot into the bottom corner beyond Mile Akter.

India remained the better side after the break and almost doubled their lead in the 51st minute when Mile whipped a dangerous cross into the six-yard box. Pyari was denied as Bangladesh threw bodies behind the ball.

Lynda, who replaced Aveka Singh in the 66th minute, almost scored two minutes later but saw her effort saved. She finally scored her goal in the 78th minute, converting from the spot after Malavika was brought down by Surma Jannat.

Malavika then completed the scoring in injury time, controlling Sangita Basfore’s cross from the right before finishing from close range. At the back, Nirmala Devi held the Indian defense together, with Panthoi tested only in short spells.

Published on May 31, 2026