India crush Nepal 7-0 in SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship opener

India’s Under-17 team made a perfect start to their SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025 campaign, thrashing Nepal 7-0 in their opening fixture at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu on Wednesday.

Braces from Nira Chanu Longjam (25’, 56’), Abhista Basnett (16’, 41’) and Anushka Kumari (37’, 62’), along with a goal from captain Julan Nongmaithem (45+1’), powered the Young Tigresses to a resounding win.

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India stamped their authority early, racing to a 5-0 half-time lead that left Nepal with no chance of recovery.

The breakthrough came in the 16th minute when a corner from Shveta Rani forced an error from Nepal goalkeeper Jharna Dumrakoti, allowing Basnett to slot home.

Nine minutes later, Kumari’s through ball released Nira Chanu, who finished with precision to make it 2-0. Kumari added her name to the scoresheet soon after, showing composure to beat the keeper. Basnett’s second and Nongmaithem’s strike on the stroke of half-time gave India a commanding cushion.

The dominance continued after the restart. Chanu’s powerful finish in the 56th minute completed her brace before Kumari capped off the night with her second goal in the 62nd, finishing off a clever move involving Basnett.

India’s cohesion was evident throughout, a result of months of joint training since January. The midfield dictated tempo with sharp passing, the forwards found space with ease, and the backline, marshalled by goalkeeper Munni, held firm to secure a clean sheet.

With the competition adopting a double round-robin format this year, the emphatic result gives India a strong platform for the matches ahead and sends a warning to their regional rivals.