Alpi Shines Despite Bangladesh’s Sub-19 Saff Final Defeat

In a bittersweet conclusion to the SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship in Pokhara, Nepal, the Bangladesh national team fell short of retaining their regional crown. The “Red and Green” girls were defeated 4–0 by a dominant Indian side in today’s final, forced to settle for the runners-up trophy. However, amidst the collective disappointment, the tournament belonged to one individual: Bangladesh’s rising star, Alpi Akter.

The forward from Panchagarh delivered a masterclass in clinical finishing throughout the competition, ensuring she didn’t return home empty-handed. Alpi achieved a rare “double,” clinching both the Golden Boot for the highest goalscorer and the prestigious Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

A Campaign of Individual Brilliance

While Alpi was kept quiet by the Indian defence during the final, her contribution during the round-robin league stage was nothing short of extraordinary. Bangladesh found the back of the net 18 times during the group phase, with Alpi accounting for nearly 40% of that tally.

Her journey to the Golden Boot included two consecutive hat-tricks against Bhutan and Nepal. It was her clinical performance against the hosts, Nepal, that effectively punched Bangladesh’s ticket to the final. Her ability to navigate tight spaces and her composure in front of goal earned her the admiration of the technical committee and spectators alike.

Tournament Honours and Statistics

Echoes of Past Glory

Alpi’s dual achievement draws striking parallels to the 2024 edition of the tournament, where another Bangladeshi prodigy, Sagarika, also secured both individual accolades. By netting seven times, Alpi has not only surpassed Sagarika’s previous record of four goals but has also cemented her status as the next great hope for Bangladeshi women’s football.

The awards were presented by the Chairman of the BFF Women’s Wing, Mahfuza Akter, and SAFF President Kazi Salahuddin. Although Alpi’s face bore the visible somberness of the final defeat, her individual accolades represent a significant silver lining for the nation.

As the team returns to Dhaka, the focus will undoubtedly shift to how this young squad can bridge the gap with India. For Alpi Akter, however, this tournament serves as a definitive “arrival” on the international stage, marking her as a player to watch in the senior circuit.