The Indian women's football team played a dominant game to secure their place in the top spot of Group B in the SAFF Women's Championship 2026 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa on Sunday, defeating defending champion Bangladesh 3-0. With the win, India qualified for the semi-finals where the Blue Tigresses will face Bhutan on June 3. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will take on Group A winners Nepal in the other semi-final.
The result was particularly significant for India as it marked their first victory over Bangladesh in seven years, having lost to the reigning champions in the previous two editions of the tournament. India completed the group stage with a perfect six points after their emphatic 11-0 victory against the Maldives earlier in the competition.
Key Highlights
- India secured first win over Bangladesh after seven years
- Blue Tigresses finished Group B with maximum six points
- Semi-final clash against Bhutan scheduled for June 3
India broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, when midfielder Pyari Xaxa finished off a well worked move coming in from the left flank , drilling in a low shot that slid into the net. The hosts kept their grip on the proceedings, and they then doubled their lead in the 78th minute after substitute Malavika was fouled inside the penalty area. Lynda Kom Serto, pretty calmly, converted the spot-kick with a strong low strike.
The third goal landed late, deep into stoppage time, when Sangita Basfore played in a tidy cross which was controlled well then put away by Malavika P, and yeah that sealed a very comprehensive win for the hosts.
India now head into the knockout stage without conceding at all, and they’ll want to keep going while they chase a record extending sixth SAFF Women’s Championship title. Bangladesh, who were the winners of the last two editions, will want some redemption when they meet Nepal in the other last four contest.
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