Pokhara (Nepal), Feb 2 (NationPress) The India U17 women’s national team encountered a 0-2 loss against Bangladesh during the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship 2026 held at the Pokhara Rangasala Stadium in Pokhara, Nepal, on Monday.

Bangladesh netted both goals in the first half, with contributions from Arpita Biswas (29’) and Alpi Akter (40’).

The India U17s are competing in the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship, a higher age-group tournament, as part of their preparations for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup. Head coach Pamela Conti made two changes to the starting lineup from the previous (1-0) victory over Nepal. Thandamoni Baskey was brought in for Anushka Kumari in midfield, while Pritika Barman started in place of fellow forward Valaina Fernandes.

The India U17s initiated the match energetically, creating several opportunities near the Bangladesh goal. Within the first five minutes, they had two significant chances. Elizabed Lakra threatened from a free-kick, directing the ball towards the top corner, but Bangladesh goalkeeper Mst Yearzan Begum made a crucial save.

Shortly after, Elizabed passed to captain Julan Nongmaithem, who turned and assisted Pritika on the right. As the goalkeeper approached, Pritika aimed for the far post but missed slightly. Pearl Fernandes attempted to reach the ball for a tap-in but was just out of range.

In the eighth minute, Pearl connected with Alva Devi Senjam, who cut in from the left to shoot, but Yearzan was quick to make another smart save, with the rebound cleared away.

After withstanding the early pressure, Bangladesh began to settle into the match, albeit limited to shots from the edge of the box.

Munki Akhter attempted a shot from outside the Indian box in the 26th minute, but it went wide. Just three minutes later, Bangladesh scored when Mamoni Chakma delivered a cross from the right that was deflected by Indian goalkeeper Munni. The ball rolled perilously close to the goal-line, allowing Arpita Biswas to score.

This goal boosted Bangladesh's confidence while momentarily unsettling India. The Young Tigresses faced pressure from Bangladesh forwards, who pressed them consistently near the center-line.

One such transition led to a promising opportunity as Sree Moti Trishna Rani maneuvered past her marker before sending in a cross from the right flank. The ball bounced awkwardly off the uneven turf in the Indian box, allowing Alpi Akter to tap it in.

Despite a determined start to the second half, India struggled to capitalize on their chances. The uneven pitch made it easier for Bangladesh to press the Indian defenders.

Thandamoni took a shot from just outside the box in the 51st minute, but it was saved. At the other end, Munki also attempted to score, aiming for the top corner, but Munni was there to deny her.

Substitute Anwita Raghuraman had a chance in the 71st minute when Pearl played her through the Bangladesh defense, but Mst Joynob Bibi Rita intervened just in time to clear the danger.

With less than ten minutes remaining, Divyani Linda attempted to set up Pearl behind the defense with a long ball. Pearl tried to chip the Bangladesh goalkeeper on the volley, but the keeper managed to make the save.

In the final moments, India resorted to long passes and shots from outside the box, but Bangladesh maintained their lead, securing three points. They now top the table with six points from two matches, while India sits second with three points from the same number of games. India will face Bhutan on February 4 at 11:45 IST, with the top two teams from the round-robin stage qualifying for the final.