Bangladesh U-19 Women Beat India 2-0, One Step Closer to SAFF Final

Bangladesh's under-19 women's football team earned a historic 2-0 victory over India in the SAFF U-19 Women's Championship, securing their second consecutive win and moving firmly toward the final. The match was played on Monday (2 February) in Pokhara, Nepal, where the two joint defending champions faced off. Goals in the first half from Arpita Biswas in the 30th minute and Alpi Akter in the 40th minute sealed the win for the Bangladeshi girls. Alpi Akter was named Player of the Match and received her award from BAFF Women's Wing Chairman Mahfuza Akter Kiron.

After taking the lead through Arpita's goal, Bangladesh dominated possession and extended the advantage ten minutes later with Alpi's strike. The team carried that momentum into the second half, creating several chances but unable to add to the scoreline, while India failed to reduce the deficit despite multiple attempts. The 2-0 result kept Bangladesh atop the standings with 6 points from two matches, following their opening 12-0 rout of Bhutan.

India, who had previously beaten hosts Nepal, now have 3 points. Bhutan face Nepal later today; a draw in that match would confirm Bangladesh's place in the final. Bangladesh's final group game is against Nepal on 4 February, the same day India play Bhutan.