India dominate Bangladesh to reclaim SAFF Women’s Championship title after seven years

India women’s national football team were crowned SAFF Women’s Championship winners for a record sixth time on Saturday, beating defending champions Bangladesh women’s national football team 3-1 in the final to end a seven-year wait for the regional title.

Goals from Pyari Xaxa, Sanfida Nongrum and Lynda Kom Serto sealed a dominant win for the hosts, who capped off an impressive unbeaten campaign in front of home fans. Bangladesh’s Ritu Porna Chakma scored the only goal India conceded in the tournament, but it was not enough to deny the hosts.

India last lifted the trophy in 2019 and had fallen short in the previous two editions, while Bangladesh arrived as back-to-back champions from 2022 and 2024. However, India produced a composed and clinical performance to reclaim their place at the top of South Asian women’s football.

The hosts finished the tournament with a perfect record—winning all matches, scoring 18 goals, and conceding just once.

India strike first in tense final

The final began with both sides showing intent, but India gradually took control through higher possession and sharper attacking moves. Early chances fell to Sanfida Nongrum and Astam Oraon, while Bangladesh stayed dangerous on quick transitions.

India’s breakthrough came in the 42nd minute when Pyari Xaxa’s attempt inside the box took a deflection and looped over the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

Bangladesh responded just before half-time. Ritu Porna Chakma found space on the left and finished calmly to level the score at 1-1, marking India’s first conceded goal of the tournament.

India pull away after restart

India came out strongly in the second half and quickly restored their lead. Pyari Xaxa turned provider, sending in a precise cross that Sanfida Nongrum headed in off the post to make it 2-1.

From there, India controlled proceedings, limiting Bangladesh’s chances while continuing to press forward. Goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam made a key save to preserve the advantage.

The result was put beyond doubt in the 82nd minute when Lynda Kom Serto capitalised on a defensive error to slot home India’s third goal.

India complete dominant campaign

The win capped a near-perfect tournament for India, who also swept the individual awards. Aveka Singh finished as top scorer, Sanfida Nongrum was named Player of the Tournament, and Panthoi Chanu Elangbam won Best Goalkeeper.

India’s victory ended Bangladesh’s recent dominance and restored them as champions of South Asian women’s football.