India U17 Women Fall 2-0 to Bangladesh in SAFF U19 Opener

In Pokhara, Nepal, on February 2, the India U17 women's national football team fell to a 2-0 defeat against Bangladesh in their second group stage match of the SAFF U19 Women's Championship 2026 at the Pokhara Rangasala Stadium. The loss leaves India with three points from the tournament, while Bangladesh maintains a perfect record with six points.

Bangladesh struck twice in the first half to secure the victory. Captain Arpita Biswas opened the scoring in the 29th minute, bundling the ball over the line after a cross from Mamoni Chakma was parried by India goalkeeper Munni. Eleven minutes later, in the 40th minute, Alpi Akter tapped in the second goal following a transition play initiated by Sree Moti Trishna Rani, whose cross took an awkward bounce off the uneven pitch inside the Indian penalty area.

India, coached by Pamela Conti, started aggressively and created several early opportunities. Within the first five minutes, Elizabed Lakra's free kick forced a save from Bangladesh goalkeeper Mst Yearzan Begum, and captain Julan Nongmaithem set up Pritika Barman for a shot that narrowly missed. Alva Devi Senjam also tested Yearzan with a low drive in the eighth minute, but the...