India Crush Bhutan by 8–0, Storm Into SAFF U-19 Women’s Final

India underlined their growing strength in youth women’s football with a commanding performance that secured a place in the SAFF (South Asian Football Federation) Under-19 Women’s Championship final. A dominant 8–0 triumph over Bhutan in the concluding round-robin fixture ensured India finished second in the standings, setting up a much-anticipated title clash with Bangladesh , who topped the table after defeating Nepal . The result not only showcased India’s attacking firepower but also reflected the team’s long-term development focus at the youth level.

The match against Bhutan was effectively decided in the first half, as India unleashed relentless attacking football. Pearl Fernandez starred with a superb hat-trick in the 16th, 39th, and 41st minutes, breaking down Bhutan’s defence with sharp movement and composed finishing. Early goals from Alisha Lyngdoh , Abhista Basnet , and Divyani Linda further tilted the contest in India’s favour, allowing the team to establish complete control before halftime. Midfielder Pritika Barman added two goals one in each half and earned the Player of the Match award for her influential all-round display.

India’s dominance extended well beyond the scoreline. The side controlled possession, pressed aggressively, and displayed fluid passing combinations that kept Bhutan pinned back throughout the contest. Goalkeeper Munni had little to deal with but reacted smartly to prevent a potential own goal from a back-pass situation. India continued creating chances in the second half and even struck the crossbar twice, a sign that the margin of victory could have been even wider.

The tournament has also served as an important testing platform for India’s youth programme under head coach Pamela Conti . With an eye on future Asian competitions, the coaching staff used the opportunity to rotate players and experiment tactically, introducing five substitutes in the second half. One of the highlights was the international debut of Joshini Chanu Huidrom , underlining the focus on building squad depth and giving exposure to emerging talent.

Attention now shifts to the final, where India will face a confident Bangladesh side that has shown consistency throughout the tournament. Their earlier league-stage victory over India adds extra intensity to the title decider. With both teams showcasing pace, technical quality, and fearless attacking football, the championship clash promises to reflect the rising standards of women’s football across South Asia.