Bangladesh stun India 2-0 to top table

The Bangladesh Under-19 women's football team continued their dominant run in the SAFF U-19 Women's Championship, securing a convincing 2-0 victory over arch-rivals India at the Pokhara Rangasala Stadium in Nepal on Monday, reports UNB.

Following a record-breaking 12-0 demolition of Bhutan in their opener, this victory places Peter Butler's charges firmly at the top of the table with a maximum of 6 points from two matches.

India, who won their opening game against Nepal, remains in second place with 3 points.

Despite a spell of early pressure from India in the first 25 minutes, Bangladesh gradually took control of the game, relying on swift counter-attacks. The breakthrough came in the 29th minute courtesy of a goalkeeping error.

Indian custodian Munni fumbled a clever free-kick from Mamoni Chakma, and Arpita Biswas, lurking on the goal line, made no mistake in tapping the loose ball into the net.

Bangladesh doubled their lead just before halftime in the 40th minute. Trishna Rani made a blistering run down the right wing and delivered a precise cross into the box, which Alpi Akter coolly finished to make it 2-0.

While the attackers secured the lead, goalkeeper Yearzan Begum ensured a clean sheet with a stellar performance under the bar. She denied India twice in the first half-saving a dangerous direct free-kick and blocking a long-range effort from Pritika Barma.

Although India pushed hard in the second half to stage a comeback, the Bangladeshi defense remained organised and disciplined to seal the victory.

Bangladesh and India are the defending joint champions of the tournament. With the top two teams from the round-robin stage set to face off in the final on February 07, this win significantly boosts Bangladesh's chances of retaining the title. They will facehosts Nepal in their final group match tomorrow (Wednesday).