India produced a commanding display to defeat Bangladesh 3-0 and finish as Group B winners in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao on Sunday.
The result marked India’s first victory over Bangladesh in seven years after defeats in the 2022 and 2024 editions of the regional tournament. Goals from Pyari Xaxa, Lynda Kom Serto and Malavika P secured the win and ensured the hosts advanced to the semi-finals with a perfect record.
Having already recorded an 11-0 victory over the Maldives earlier in the competition, India completed the group stage with six points from two matches. The Blue Tigresses will now face Bhutan in the semi-final on June 3 at 8 pm. Bangladesh, who finished second in the group, will take on Nepal in the other semi-final at 4 pm.
Bangladesh threatened early when Anika Rania Siddiqui capitalised on a lapse in concentration in the Indian defence in the second minute. Goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam reacted quickly to keep the visitors from taking an early lead.
India gradually settled into the contest and began to control possession through their midfield while making effective use of the flanks. The hosts created several openings before the breakthrough arrived.
Sanfida Nongrum came close in the 22nd minute after controlling the ball well on the right flank, but her effort drifted wide. Five minutes later, Pyari Xaxa missed a clear opportunity when she failed to direct a free header on target from inside the penalty area.
Pyari made amends in the 36th minute. A long ball from Shilky Devi Hemam into the Bangladesh penalty area led to a defensive error by Kohati Kisku. The loose ball fell to Pyari, who calmly composed herself before driving a right-footed shot into the bottom corner beyond goalkeeper Mile Akter.
India carried their 1-0 advantage into the break and resumed the second half with the same attacking approach. In the 51st minute, Mile Akter spilled a dangerous cross into the six-yard box, but Bangladesh defenders managed to block Pyari’s attempt from close range.
Substitute Lynda Kom Serto nearly doubled India’s lead shortly after entering the match in the 66th minute. Two minutes later, she broke through on goal but was denied by Mile Akter.
India’s pressure eventually paid off in the 78th minute. Sanfida found substitute Malavika P near the edge of the penalty area. As Malavika advanced into the box, she was brought down by Mst Surma Jannat, prompting the referee to award a penalty.
Lynda stepped up and converted confidently, sending her spot-kick into the bottom-right corner to extend India’s lead.
The hosts added a third goal in stoppage time. Sangita Basfore delivered a cross from the right, which Malavika controlled expertly before finishing from close range in the 91st minute.
The victory ensured India continue their pursuit of a first SAFF Women’s Championship title since 2019.
Nepal topped Group A ahead of Bhutan, while India finished first in Group B with Bangladesh securing second place.
Nepal will face Bangladesh in the first semi-final on Wednesday, June 3, at 4 pm, while hosts India will take on Bhutan in the second semi-final at 8 pm.
India: Panthoi Chanu Elangbam (GK, C), Purnima Kumari (Juli Kishan 90′), Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Shilky Devi Hemam, Sangita Basfore, Soumya Guguloth (Priyangka Devi Naorem 46′), Sanfida Nongrum, Astam Oraon, Pyari Xaxa (Malavika P 66′), Jasoda Munda (Karishma Shirvoikar 83′), Aveka Singh (Lynda Kom Serto 66′).
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