India showed its supremacy with a dominating 5-0 win over Nepal at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, levelling the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025 in style.
It reached its peak on Friday as the Young Tigresses secured the title. The dominating win locked India’s crown, ensuring five wins in five matches with a perfect record of 27 goals scored and none conceded.
The title was confirmed earlier in the day when Bangladesh were held to a 1-1 draw by Bhutan, allowing India to establish an unassailable lead at the top of the standings. With 15 points from five outings, the Indian team’s dominance has been absolute, their mix of attacking flair and defensive solidity proving unmatched.
Early Breakthrough
India wasted no time in taking control of the contest against Nepal. The ball scarcely ventured into their defensive half as India pressed relentlessly, suffocating Nepal’s rhythm and keeping the action concentrated at the attacking end. Their intent bore fruit almost immediately when, in the 5th minute, Nira Chanu Longjam fired home from a set-piece to give India the perfect start.
Just 10 minutes later, Nira turned provider. She delivered a precise cross into the box, where Pearl Fernandes showed composure to tuck the ball in, doubling the lead in the 15th minute.
Fernandes at the Double
India’s wave of attacks kept Nepal pinned back, and the pressure paid off again right before the break. In the 43rd minute, a fine delivery from Divyani Linda found Pearl Fernandes in space, and she calmly converted to register her second goal of the evening. The Young Tigresses went into halftime with a commanding 3-0 advantage, leaving Nepal with little hope of recovery.
Linda Finishes the Job
The second half saw India continue to dominate, though chances went begging with a mix of offsides and missed opportunities. The breakthrough arrived in the 79th minute when Shveta Rani’s deep cross was flicked goalwards by Bonifilia Shullai, setting up Divyani Linda for a simple finish at close range.
With time winding down, India struck one last blow in stoppage time. Anita floated in a cross, and Divyani Linda, showing her sharp instincts once again, slotted home to seal her brace and complete a resounding 5-0 win.
With the trophy already secured, India now turn their attention to their final group-stage game against Bangladesh on Sunday, August 31. Once touted as a potential title-decider, the contest will instead serve as an opportunity for the Young Tigresses to finish their campaign unbeaten and undisputed champions.
Five matches, five wins, 27 goals, and zero conceded—India’s record speaks volumes about the dominance of this U17 side. On the back of collective brilliance, standout performances, and relentless energy, the Young Tigresses have stamped their authority on the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship, lifting the trophy in true style.
