- India defeated hosts Bhutan 8–0 at the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025 in Thimphu
- India’s third consecutive win, with 17 goals scored and none conceded so far
- India now sits on 9 points from 3 matches, ahead of Bangladesh and Nepal
India’s U-17 women’s football team produced a dominant display in Thimphu on Sunday, August 24, 2025, thrashing hosts Bhutan 8-0 to register their third consecutive victory at the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship.
Anuskha Kumari stole the spotlight with a brilliant second-half hat-trick (53’, 61’, 73’), while Abhista Basnett struck twice (23’, 89’). Pearl Fernandes (71’), Divyani Linda (77’), and Valaina Jada Fernandes (90+2’) also got on the scoresheet.
After holding a slender 1-0 lead at halftime, the Young Tigresses shifted gears in the second half, overwhelming Bhutan with pace, precision, and attacking depth.
With this emphatic result, India has now scored 17 goals in three matches without conceding a single goal, tightening its hold at the top of the table and moving a step closer to lifting the trophy. Women in blue sit comfortably on top of the table with nine points from three matches, well ahead of Bangladesh and Nepal, who trail with three points each. Meanwhile, Bhutan will be searching for its first point.
India dominated from the outset, testing Bhutan goalkeeper Kelzang Wangmo with early attempts from Shveta Rani, Divyani Linda, and Anuskha Kumari, before Abhista Basnett finally broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, taking a well-flighted corner from Rani. After halftime, the Young Tigresses shifted gears, with Anushka's stunning free-kick in the 53rd minute opening the floodgates. She went on to complete a superb hat-trick with goals in the 61st and 73rd minutes, while substitutes Pearl Fernandes (71’) and Valaina Jada Fernandes (90+2’), along with Linda (77’) and Basnett (89’), piled on the tally. Despite Wangmo’s brave saves, Bhutan eventually succumbed to India’s relentless attack, falling 8–0 in a one-sided contest.
