India booked a place in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 after a hard fought 1-0 win over Bhutan in the semi final at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Wednesday.
Sanfida Nongrum scored the only goal of the match in the 58th minute as India set up a title clash with defending champions Bangladesh on Friday.
The victory sent world No. 69 India into their first SAFF Women’s Championship final in six years. The five time champions last lifted the trophy in 2019 after beating Nepal in the final.
India had fallen short in the previous two editions. They were knocked out in the semi finals in both 2022 and 2024.
The hosts controlled possession for much of the first half. However, world No. 161 Bhutan stayed organised and made it difficult for India to create clear openings.
India still managed several chances before the break but failed to make them count.
Head coach Crispin Chhetri made a number of attacking changes at half time. Malavika P, Manisha Kalyan and Sangita Basfore were among the players introduced as India looked for a breakthrough.
The changes quickly improved India’s attacking play.
The winning goal came just before the hour mark. Bhutan goalkeeper Sangita Monger rushed off her line to stop Aveka Singh, but the loose ball fell to Sanfida Nongrum near the edge of the box. She brought it under control and calmly finished into the net.
The goal settled India and gave the hosts greater control of the match.
India continued to push forward in search of a second goal while also keeping Bhutan away from dangerous areas. Bhutan struggled to create meaningful chances as India held on for the win.
Bangladesh secured the other spot in the final after beating Nepal 2-1 in the first semi final. The result sent Bangladesh into their third straight SAFF Women’s Championship final.
