Margao, June 7: India has reclaimed the SAFF Women’s Championship title after a seven-year hiatus. In the final held at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, the Indian team defeated the reigning champions, Bangladesh, with a score of 3-1.
Pyaari Jaksaa opened the scoring for India in the 42nd minute. However, Ritu Purna Chhakma equalized for Bangladesh during stoppage time of the first half. Just 40 seconds into the second half, Sunfida Nongrum restored India’s lead. Substitute Linda Com Serto secured the victory with a goal in the 82nd minute, marking India’s sixth title win in this tournament.
Manisha Kalyan made her debut in the starting lineup for the tournament. Sunfida Nongrum created the first threat, attempting a shot from a difficult angle that went over the bar. In the 16th minute, India came close to scoring when Bangladesh’s goalkeeper, Maile Akhtar, mishandled a long ball from Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam. The ball reached Astam Oraon, but the defender failed to convert.
Despite this, Bangladesh remained a threat. In the 23rd minute, Ritu Purna Chhakma nearly replicated her semi-final performance against Nepal, curling a corner that just skimmed over the crossbar.
Crispin Chhetri’s team continued to press forward. Nirmala’s cross saw Aveka Singh’s header go slightly wide. In the 38th minute, Maile Akhtar made a spectacular save against Manisha Kalyan’s powerful half-volley.
Finally, India found success three minutes before halftime. Pyaari Jaksaa displayed quick reflexes inside the penalty area, and although Suravi Akhtar attempted to block her shot, it deflected over Maile Akhtar and into the net.
It seemed India had taken the lead before halftime, but Bangladesh responded immediately. In stoppage time, Ritu Purna Chhakma found space on the left and struck a low shot into the corner, out of reach of Panthoi Chanu Ilangbam. This was the first goal scored against India in the tournament, and both teams went into halftime tied at 1-1.
Just seconds into the second half, Pyaari assisted Sunfida Nongrum, who jumped high to head the ball into the net, restoring India’s lead.
This goal shifted the momentum of the match. India appeared more composed and confident, while Bangladesh struggled to regain their attacking rhythm. India continued to create opportunities, with Manisha coming close to extending the lead; her volley went slightly wide after a brilliant run and pass from Sunfida. India capitalized on a defensive error in the 82nd minute, allowing substitute Linda Com Serto to score inside the box, making it 3-1. This goal effectively sealed the match.
As the final whistle blew, the Indian team and their supporters erupted in joy, highlighting the significance of this victory. Sunfida Nongrum, who played a crucial role throughout the tournament, knelt and embraced her teammate, Dangmei Grace, who announced her retirement post-match. Players and staff celebrated around them as India returned to the top of South Asian women’s football for the first time since 2019. Grace, a veteran of Indian women’s football, represented the country 95 times since her debut in 2013 and concluded her international career with a third SAFF title. This victory capped off a remarkable campaign for the host team, which won all four matches, scoring 18 goals and conceding just one.
Aveka Singh finished as the tournament’s top scorer with four goals. Sunfida Nongrum was named the ‘Most Valuable Player,’ while Panthoi Chanu Ilangbam received the ‘Best Goalkeeper’ award. Nepal was awarded the ‘Fair Play’ award.
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