A goal bonanza unfolded in Pokhara as India’s Under-17 women’s team crushed Bhutan 8-0 during the SAFF Under-19 Women’s Championship round-robin stage. This clinical performance clinches India’s final ticket, pitting them against Bangladesh on February 7 in a bid for glory.
Pearl Fernandes was the hat-trick heroine, Pritika Barman bagged a double, and Alisha Lyngdoh, Abhista Basnet, plus Divyani Linda each scored once. The match highlighted India’s attacking depth and defensive solidity against a beleaguered Bhutan.
Alisha Lyngdoh set the tone with a thunderous sixth-minute effort beyond the box. Abhista Basnet doubled up swiftly via Pritika’s vision. Pearl timed her run for goal three, Divyani converted neatly for four, and Pritika’s right-channel rocket made five by the 25th.
Pearl’s pre-interval brace perfected her treble, leading 7-0 at halftime. The second half saw India rotate squad amid sustained pressure—two shots cannoned off the frame—before Pritika’s last-gasp goal sealed perfection. She scooped Player of the Match.
India’s six points place them second, three behind Bangladesh, who blanked Nepal 4-0 to confirm the final lineup. Nepal has three points; Bhutan zero. This U19 stint sharpens India’s U17 blades for the 2026 AFC Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup in China.