Margao, Goa : India returned to the top of South Asian women’s football after defeating Bangladesh 3-1 in an entertaining SAFF Women’s Championship final at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.
The victory ended India’s seven-year wait for the regional title and secured a record sixth SAFF Women’s Championship crown. Goals from Pyari Xaxa, Sanfida Nongrum and Lynda Kom Serto powered the hosts to a memorable triumph over the defending champions.
First Half Produces End-to-End Action
Both teams entered the final with high expectations, setting up a clash between the two strongest sides in the tournament. India started brightly and controlled possession for large periods of the opening half.
Sanfida Nongrum tested the Bangladesh defence early, while Astam Oraon came close after goalkeeper Mile Akter struggled to clear a long delivery from Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam. However, the opportunity went begging as the effort missed the target.
Bangladesh also looked threatening on the counterattack. Ritu Porna Chakma nearly opened the scoring when her curling corner kick drifted just over the crossbar.
India continued to push forward and were rewarded in the 42nd minute. Pyari Xaxa created space inside the penalty area and unleashed a shot that took a deflection off a defender before looping into the net, giving the hosts a deserved lead.
Just when India seemed set to carry their advantage into halftime, Bangladesh struck back. Deep into stoppage time, Ritu Porna Chakma found room on the left flank and fired a precise low shot beyond goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam to level the contest at 1-1.
Sanfida’s Quick Strike Changes the Match
India wasted no time after the restart. Less than a minute into the second half, Pyari Xaxa delivered a dangerous cross from the right side and Sanfida Nongrum met it with a powerful header that bounced in off the post.
The early goal shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favour. The hosts looked composed and confident, while Bangladesh struggled to recreate the attacking threat they showed before the break.
Bangladesh did have a chance to reduce the pressure when Maria Manda delivered a dangerous ball toward goal, but Panthoi reacted quickly to prevent any damage.
Lynda Seals the Title
As the match entered its final stages, India continued searching for a third goal. Their persistence paid off in the 82nd minute when a defensive mistake allowed substitute Lynda Kom Serto to pounce inside the box.
The forward kept her composure and finished clinically past Mile Akter, effectively ending Bangladesh’s hopes of a comeback and confirming India’s return to the championship throne.
Emotional Farewell for Grace Dangmei
The final whistle sparked emotional scenes among the Indian players and coaching staff. Sanfida Nongrum, one of the standout performers of the tournament, celebrated with teammates after scoring in both the semi-final and final.
The occasion was particularly special for veteran forward Grace Dangmei, who announced her retirement from international football after the match. Having represented India 95 times since making her debut in 2013, she concluded her national team career by lifting her third SAFF Women’s Championship trophy.
Perfect Campaign for the Hosts
India completed an outstanding tournament with four victories from four matches. The champions scored 18 goals throughout the competition while conceding only once, underlining their dominance.
Individual honours also reflected India’s success. Aveka Singh finished as the tournament’s highest scorer with four goals, Sanfida Nongrum received the Most Valuable Player award, and Panthoi Chanu Elangbam was named Best Goalkeeper. Nepal earned the Fair Play Award.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Indian women’s football and signals a strong return to regional supremacy after missing out on the title in the previous two editions.
