Bangladesh, India Set for U19 Women’s Final Clash

The Pokhara Rangshala Stadium is set to host a thrilling climax to the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship this Saturday, as Bangladesh and India prepare to face off in the final. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:15 PM, and the match promises to be a rigorous test of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude. Bangladesh will be led by captain Arpita Biswas, while India will look to Hulan Nongmaithem to guide them to victory. Both sides enter the final with the singular aim of lifting the coveted trophy.

Bangladesh enters the decider with a rich legacy, having already claimed four SAFF U19 Women’s titles. India, in comparison, have won the tournament twice. The last final between these two regional rivals was held in Dhaka in 2024, ending in the unusual outcome of a shared trophy due to a “toss-related” dispute. In 2021, Bangladesh triumphed convincingly over India, securing the championship with a dominant display. In the current edition, Bangladesh has maintained its supremacy, including a notable 2–0 victory over India during the round-robin stage.

Head coach Peter Butler expressed cautious optimism ahead of the final. “We cannot rely on past results; we must play with complete focus and preparation. India have several strong players, so we need to give our absolute best,” he said.

Bangladesh’s campaign has been characterised by balanced strength in both attack and defence. Forward Alpi Akter leads the tournament’s scoring charts with seven goals, while goalkeeper Yarjan has marshalled the defence with remarkable resilience, keeping a clean sheet throughout the tournament. Despite facing some limitations in training facilities, Butler confirmed that the team will take the field fully prepared and fit, with the final performance potentially influencing selections for the upcoming Asian Women’s Cup in Australia.

A comparative overview of the tournament so far:

The Bangladesh-India final represents more than a battle for the SAFF trophy. It is a contest of tactical acumen, psychological resilience, and composure under pressure. Bangladesh will be vying for their fifth title, while India seeks to reclaim regional supremacy. Given the history and stakes, spectators can expect a highly competitive and exhilarating finale.