India U-17 Clinch SAFF U-19 Title With 4-0 Final Win

By: WE Staff | Monday, 9 February 2026

• India’s U-17 team won the SAFF U-19 title, beating Bangladesh 4-0 in the final
• Pamela Conti guided the Young Tigresses to silverware in her first assignment
• The win boosts confidence ahead of the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup in April

India’s U-17 women’s football team underlined the depth of the country’s emerging talent by clinching the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship 2026 with a dominant 4-0 victory over Bangladesh in the final at Pokhara, Nepal. Competing in a higher age-group tournament as part of their preparation for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup, the Young Tigresses displayed maturity, resilience, and tactical discipline well beyond their years.

The triumph marked a dream start for newly appointed head coach Pamela Conti, who guided an inexperienced squad to the title against older and more seasoned opponents. India’s campaign, however, was not without setbacks. After opening wins against Nepal and Bhutan, the Young Tigresses suffered a 0-2 defeat to Bangladesh in the group stage, finishing second. Conti struck a defiant note after the loss, insisting that football always offers a chance for redemption.

That response came emphatically in the final. Captain Julan Nongmaithem opened the scoring just before halftime, setting the platform for a commanding second-half display. Elizabed Lakra doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute, Pearl Fernandes added a third five minutes later, and substitute Anwita Raghuraman sealed the rout with a composed finish late in the game, as India avenged their earlier defeat in style.

The SAFF title provides a timely confidence boost ahead of the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup, which begins in China on April 30, with the group-stage draw scheduled for February 12 in Malaysia. Beyond the U-17s, India’s women’s football pipeline continues to gain momentum, with the U-20 side training in Sweden and the senior team gaining valuable exposure through international friendlies, signalling a promising phase for the national programme.