SAFF Women’s Championship: India end seven-year wait, beat Bangladesh 3-1 to win

India ended a seven-year wait to reclaim the SAFF Women’s Championship crown, defeating defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 in a high-intensity final at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao on Saturday to lift a record-extending sixth title.

The victory marked the Blue Tigresses’ return to the top of South Asian football after missing out on the trophy in the last two editions, while also ending Bangladesh’s bid for a historic third consecutive championship. The hosts capped a dominant campaign by winning all four of their matches, scoring 18 goals and conceding just once throughout the tournament.

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Pyari Xaxa opened the scoring for India in the 42nd minute, but Bangladesh hit back through Ritu Porna Chakma in first-half stoppage time. India responded immediately after the restart as Sanfida Nongrum headed home just 40 seconds into the second half before substitute Lynda Kom Serto sealed the victory with an 82nd-minute strike.

As the final whistle blew, celebrations erupted across the stadium with players and support staff embracing after a long-awaited triumph. The moment was particularly emotional for veteran Dangmei Grace, who brought the curtain down on her international career by helping India lift the trophy. The 95-cap international, who made her debut in 2013, signed off with her third SAFF Women’s Championship title.

Sanfida Nongrum, one of India’s standout performers throughout the tournament, once again delivered on the big stage after also scoring in the semifinal. She dropped to her knees in celebration before sharing an emotional embrace with Grace, symbolising a memorable night that restored India to the summit of South Asian women’s football.

The final had all the ingredients expected from a meeting between the region’s two strongest sides. Bangladesh arrived as defending champions, while India were chasing a title that had eluded them for the last two editions.

Manisha Kalyan made her first start of the tournament as India looked to make an early statement. The hosts enjoyed much of the possession during the opening stages and created the better opportunities.

Sanfida Nongrum was first to threaten, trying her luck from a difficult angle before sending her effort over the bar. India came even closer in the 16th minute when Bangladesh goalkeeper Mile Akter failed to deal with a long ball from Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam. The loose ball fell kindly for Astam Oraon, but the defender could not keep her effort on target.

Bangladesh, however, remained dangerous. Ritu Porna Chakma nearly repeated her semi-final heroics against Nepal in the 23rd minute, curling a corner directly towards goal that drifted just over the crossbar.

Crispin Chettri’s side continued to push forward. Aveka Singh headed narrowly wide from a Nirmala cross before Mile Akter produced an excellent save to deny Manisha Kalyan’s powerful half-volley in the 38th minute.

The breakthrough finally arrived three minutes before half-time. Pyari Xaxa showed quick feet inside the penalty area before getting away a shot. Surovi Akter attempted to block the effort, but the deflection looped over the advancing Mile Akter and into the net.

The goal appeared to have given India control heading into the interval, but Bangladesh responded immediately. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Ritu Porna Chakma found space down the left and drove a low effort into the far corner beyond Panthoi Chanu Elangbam. It was the first goal India had conceded in the tournament and ensured the sides went into the break level at 1-1.

The second half, however, belonged entirely to India.

Within seconds of the restart, Pyari turned provider. Her cross from the right found Sanfida Nongrum, who rose unmarked and directed a powerful header into the net via the post to restore India’s lead.

That goal shifted the momentum. India looked more composed and confident, while Bangladesh struggled to establish the same attacking rhythm they had shown earlier.

There were still moments of concern for the hosts. Maria Manda nearly caught Panthoi off her line with a dangerous delivery, but the goalkeeper reacted brilliantly to tip the ball away.

India continued to create chances and came close to extending their advantage through Manisha, whose volley drifted narrowly wide after a fine run and pass from Sanfida.

India capitalised and scored their third in the 82nd minute when a defensive error presented substitute Lynda Kom Serto with an opportunity inside the box. The forward was the quickest to react and slotted the ball beyond Mile Akter to make it 3-1.

The goal effectively settled the contest and ensured there would be no dramatic comeback.

The victory completed a memorable tournament for the hosts. Aveka Singh finished as the competition’s top scorer with four goals, Sanfida Nongrum was named Most Valuable Player, while Panthoi Chanu Elangbam collected the Best Goalkeeper award. Nepal won the Fair Play award.

(With agency inputs)