SAFF Women’s Championship 2026: India pass Bhutan 1-0 to take on Bangladesh for title

CHENNAI

Five-time champions India booked their place in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship with a hard-fought 1-0 win over resolute Bhutan in the second semi-final on Wednesday.

India, who found the winner in the 60th minute through Sanfida Nongrum, will meet defending champions Bangladesh in the title clash at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.

After scoring fourteen goals in two group stage matches, the hosts were expected to dominate, but Bhutan once again showed the defensive discipline that had seen them reach the semi-finals for the third time in a row.

Ranked 69th in the FIFA rankings, India controlled possession for long periods but found it difficult to break Bhutan’s compact back line in a goalless first half.

The Blue Tigresses created chances through Karishma, Soumya Guguloth and Aveka Singh, but poor finishing and alert goalkeeping kept the scores level at half-time.

Bhutan, meanwhile, remained a threat on the counter-attack and squandered a number of promising chances of their own.

India finally found the breakthrough as Sanfida scored after sustained pressure, giving the hosts the lead they had been looking for all match.

Coach Crispin Chhetri then introduced experienced forwards including Manisha Kalyan and Pyari Xaxa as India looked to take the game beyond Bhutan. However, Bhutan refused to back down and continued to test the Indian defense during the break.

The host created several openings in the final stages, but could not increase the number.

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Despite its determination, Bhutan lacked the finishing touch needed to force extra time as India held on for a narrow victory.

The Blue Tigresses are now one win away from regaining the title they last won in 2019.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh defeated Nepal 2-1 in the first semi-final to reach their third consecutive final of the SAFF Women’s Championship after substitute Sagorika scored an injury-time winner.

Bangladesh won the previous two editions, held in 2022 and 2024.

Published on June 3, 2026