Bangladesh went into the break with a 2-1 lead against India in the final match day of the SAFF Women’s Under-17 Championship. Although the title has already gone to India, who sealed the crown with five wins from five matches, Bangladesh showed real intent to finish the tournament on a high.
The match had barely settled when the home crowd found a reason to cheer. Just 29 seconds into the game, Mamoni Chakma delivered a precise cross from the left. Purnima Marma timed her run perfectly and sent a header goalwards. The early strike stunned India and gave Bangladesh a flying start.
India, however, did not take long to respond. On nine minutes, Anushka Kumari found space, dribbled past goalkeeper Meghla Rani Roy and calmly slotted the ball into the net. The equaliser restored India’s rhythm and set the tone for a lively, end-to-end first half.
Both sides played with intensity and looked eager to grab control. Bangladesh, who had lost to India earlier in the tournament, showed greater resilience this time. They lined up in a 4-3-3 system but occasionally switched to a 5-3-2 shape to ensure defensive stability against India’s pace in attack.
Head coach made an early change in the 33rd minute, introducing Shiuly Roy in place of Momita. The switch gave Bangladesh more balance in midfield and allowed Purnima to push higher on the right wing. The plan worked. Purnima used her speed to drive past her marker before cutting back a clever pass to Prity. The Indian goalkeeper got a hand to the shot but spilled it into the path of Alpi, who calmly struck home the rebound to make it 2-1.
The goal lifted Bangladesh, but India continued to press, with Anushka constantly troubling the defence. She remained the biggest threat on the pitch, forcing Meghla Rani Roy into several nervous moments. On the stroke of half-time, Anushka nearly levelled again. Her free-kick from outside the area rattled the crossbar, and Bangladesh were relieved to head into the break with their slender lead intact.
