SAFF U-17: Dream 'over' as Bhutan, BD fight out draw
August 30, 2025 00:00:00
SAFF U-17 Women's Championship held at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan on Friday. —BSS
Bangladesh lost valuable points as they were forced to a 1-1 draw by hosts Bhutan in the crucial match of four-nation SAFF U-17 Women's Championship held at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Friday, reports BSS.
Bangladesh's dream of becoming the champion of this tournament is almost over after the draw. After five matches, Bangladesh has ten points. India are at the top with twelve points from four matches.
If India are able to beat Nepal in the second match of the day, their points will be fifteen. As a result, they will be assured of the title with one match in hand. Then the last match between Bangladesh and India will be just a matter of formality.
Bangladesh's last match against India will be held on Sunday (Aug 31) at the same venue.
The early breakthrough came for Bangladesh in the 6th minute. Purnia Marma sent the ball home with a brilliant right-footed shot from the top of the D-Box giving no chance to Bhutanese custodian under the bar.
Chorten Zangmo restored the parity for Bhutan in the 45+1st minute with her solo effort. Taking a pass from the mid field Chorten ran down and executed the goal with a perfect placing shot from the danger zone.
Earlier, Bangladesh made winning start in the tournament beating host Bhutan 3-1, but lost to India by 2-0 goals. However, the girls in red and green returned winning streak by defeating Nepal by 3-0 and then again with 4-1 in the return match.
On the other hand, the already eliminated Bhutan lost all four of their matches so far. They suffered a 3-1 defeat to Bangladesh, 1-2 to Nepal, 8-0 to India and again 5-0 to India.