Young Tigresses Roar into SAFF U-19 Final with 8–0 Demolition of Bhutan

India’s Under-17 women’s team produced a ruthless, free-flowing display to thrash Bhutan 8–0 in their final round-robin match of the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship 2026 at the Pokhara Rangasala Stadium on Wednesday, sealing a place in Saturday’s final against Bangladesh.

In a tournament where India are playing a year above their age group as part of preparations for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026, the performance was not just about goals and points it was a statement of attacking intent, tactical maturity, and growing belief under head coach Pamela Conti.

Needing at least a draw to keep their title hopes alive, the Young Tigresses began with urgency and were rewarded almost immediately. In the sixth minute, Alisha Lyngdoh opened the scoring with a crisp half-volley from outside the box that sailed beyond Bhutan goalkeeper Sonam Choden and into the corner. It was a strike that set the tone for what followed.

Four minutes later, India doubled the advantage. Pritika Barman, operating with pace and purpose down the right flank, cut the ball back into the six-yard area, where Abhista Basnett arrived unmarked to tap home. Bhutan’s defence, already under pressure, began to unravel.

India’s third goal arrived in the 16th minute when Thandamoni Baskey released Pearl Fernandes with a perfectly weighted through ball behind Bhutan’s high defensive line. Pearl raced clear and finished calmly past the goalkeeper. Just a minute later, Divyani Linda made it 4–0, driving forward from the right and slotting in at the near post after catching the defence off balance.

Pearl and Pritika lead the charge

The goals kept coming as Bhutan struggled to cope with India’s movement and tempo. In the 25th minute, Pritika turned scorer, cutting inside from the right and finding the far corner for India’s fifth. The Young Tigresses were playing with freedom now, moving the ball quickly and stretching the pitch.

Pearl Fernandes then took centre stage. In the 39th minute, Pritika provided a low cross into the box, and Pearl finished into a gaping net. Two minutes later, the 16-year-old completed her first-half hat-trick, tapping in from close range after a set-piece caused confusion in the Bhutan defence.

By half-time, India led 7–0, with Bhutan completely overwhelmed by the pace, pressing and precision of Conti’s side.

With the game safely in hand, Conti used the interval to give minutes to her squad. Valaina Fernandes, Binita Horo, Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, and debutant Joyshini Chanu Huidrom were introduced, allowing India to rotate while maintaining intensity. The second half saw India continue to dominate possession and territory. Redima struck the post within a minute of the restart, while Pritika rattled the crossbar soon after with a powerful effort from the right side of the box.

Despite creating chance after chance, India had to wait until the final minute for their eighth goal. Redima played Pritika through, and the forward showed composure to dribble past the goalkeeper and roll the ball into an empty net, completing her brace and capping a commanding performance.

Pritika was later named Player of the Match, having combined two goals with tireless wing play and intelligent movement throughout.

Final secured after Bangladesh’s win

India’s emphatic victory, combined with Bangladesh’s 4–0 win over hosts Nepal in the other group match, confirmed the standings. Bangladesh finished top of the table with nine points from three matches, India second with six, Nepal third with three, and Bhutan bottom with none. The top two teams now advance to the final, setting up a rematch between India and Bangladesh on February 7—just days after Bangladesh defeated the Young Tigresses 2–0 in the group stage.

While the scoreline was one-sided, the broader context of India’s participation makes the performance even more impressive. Conti’s squad is an Under-17 team competing in an Under-19 tournament, deliberately exposed to older, physically stronger opponents to accelerate their development ahead of the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup later this year.

The 8–0 rout of Bhutan showed how far this group has come in a short period. The team pressed high, circulated the ball with confidence, and showed ruthlessness in front of goal qualities that will be vital against stronger opposition. The semifinal-like final against Bangladesh now represents the next test of this young side’s resilience and tactical growth. Having lost earlier in the tournament, India will be eager to show how much they have learned, and whether their attacking flair can be matched with defensive discipline against the region’s most successful team.

Saturday’s final at Pokhara Rangasala will not only decide the SAFF U-19 champions it will offer a valuable benchmark for India’s brightest young talents as they continue their journey toward continental competition.