Pearl Fernandes Fires India to Winning Start at SAFF U19 Women’s Championship in Nepal

India’s U17 women’s football team began its SAFF U19 Women’s Championship 2026 campaign in the best possible manner, edging hosts Nepal 1–0 in a tense opening-day encounter at the Pokhara International Stadium.

In a match that demanded patience, discipline and maturity well beyond their years, India relied on a first-half strike from Pearl Fernandes to secure three crucial points and announce their intent in the round-robin tournament.

What made the result even more significant was the context behind India’s squad selection. Newly appointed head coach Pamela Conti has chosen to field an Under-17 group in this Under-19 competition as part of a larger developmental plan aimed at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026, which will be staged in China later this year. Against an older, physically stronger Nepal side, India’s youngsters showed composure and tactical understanding that reflected the clarity of that long-term vision.

A fast start and a decisive moment

Nepal, buoyed by a packed home crowd, began the match with energy and aggression, pushing India back in the opening minutes. But the Indian backline, marshalled by Akashi Naik and Alena Devi Sarangthem, absorbed the early pressure with calmness, keeping their shape and refusing to be dragged out of position.

As the match settled, India began to find its rhythm in midfield. Abhista Basnett and Pritika Barman did the hard work of screening the defence and recycling possession, allowing the attackers to operate with freedom in the final third. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when India capitalised on a moment of hesitation in the Nepali defence.

A quick transition down the flank opened space for Anushka Kumari, whose low cross caused confusion inside the box. The ball fell kindly to Pearl Fernandes, and the forward showed impressive composure to slot home from close range, silencing the home crowd and giving India a priceless 1–0 lead.

It was a goal built on sharp movement and awareness qualities that Conti has been keen to instil in this young group since taking charge.

Tactical discipline after the lead

With the advantage secured, India did not retreat into their shell. Instead, they continued to press in organised bursts, preventing Nepal from building sustained attacks through the middle. Anwita Raghuraman worked tirelessly between the lines, linking midfield and attack while also dropping back to help defensively.

Nepal attempted to stretch India by pushing their fullbacks higher up the pitch, but the Indian wingers tracked back diligently, ensuring that crosses into the box were limited. When Nepal did find openings, goalkeeper and defence combined efficiently to keep danger at bay.

The second half saw Nepal increase the tempo, throwing more bodies forward in search of an equaliser. The Indian side, however, showed remarkable maturity for such a young team. Rather than panicking, they slowed the game down, kept the ball moving, and used their midfield triangle to break Nepal’s rhythm.

Conti’s tactical blueprint was evident. India defended compactly, with short distances between the lines, forcing Nepal into low-percentage shots from distance or hopeful balls into the box.

The final 20 minutes were a stern test of character. Nepal, driven by their supporters, launched wave after wave of attacks. Set-pieces became a major threat, but India stood tall, winning aerial duels and clearing their lines with confidence. This was where the experience within the squad came to the fore. Though the team is largely composed of U17 players, the composure shown in these decisive moments reflected a side that has been prepared for pressure situations.

When the final whistle blew, the relief and joy on the Indian bench were evident. A 1–0 away win against the hosts is never easy, especially in a regional tournament where margins are fine and emotions run high.

More than just three points

While the victory puts India in a strong position early in the round-robin format, its importance goes beyond the standings. For Conti, this tournament is as much about learning and development as it is about results. The SAFF U19 Championship serves as a stepping stone not only towards regional dominance but also towards continental ambitions. With the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup looming, exposing this group to high-pressure international matches is invaluable.

The fact that India fielded a predominantly U17 squad and still managed to outplay an older Nepal side speaks volumes about the depth and direction of women’s football in the country.

India’s next test will come against Bangladesh on February 2, a fixture that could prove decisive in shaping the final standings. Bangladesh, one of the region’s strongest women’s teams, will pose a different kind of challenge, likely demanding more creativity and attacking invention from the Indian side.

But if the opening match is any indication, India’s young Tigresses are ready. They have shown they can defend resolutely, strike with precision, and most importantly stay calm when the pressure mounts. For now, Pearl Fernandes’ goal stands as a symbol of a promising journey just beginning. One match down, many more challenges ahead but India’s U19 women have already taken their first confident step on a path that leads far beyond Pokhara.