Bangladesh, the reigning champions of the SAFF Under-19 Women’s Football Championship, launched their title defence in emphatic style, demolishing Bhutan 12-0 in the tournament’s opening match at Pokhara’s Rangashala Stadium in Nepal. From the first whistle, the Red and Greens dominated possession and territorial play, consistently breaking through Bhutan’s defensive lines under the guidance of coach Peter Butler.
Despite their attacking intent from the outset, Bangladesh had to wait until the 27th minute to open the scoring. Forward Mamoni Chakma produced a moment of brilliance, curling a left-footed shot from a corner into the net. It remained unclear from replays whether the ball had brushed the Bhutanese goalkeeper’s hands; had it gone straight in, it would have counted as an Olympic goal. Mamoni’s opener settled the team, and Bangladesh never looked back. By half-time, they had added two more goals, taking a commanding 3-0 lead into the break.
After the interval, Bangladesh intensified their attacks. The dynamic duo of Alpi and Munkira repeatedly breached Bhutan’s defence, forcing the opposition to make a goalkeeper substitution following the fifth goal. Yet the change did little to stem the tide; Bangladesh added a sixth goal by the 59th minute, before scoring six further goals in a relentless onslaught. The final 12-0 scoreline reflects the dominance and cohesion of the Red and Green side.
The playing conditions in Pokhara presented a challenge. Much of the pitch was bare earth rather than grass, and the surface was uneven. Initially, ball control posed some difficulty, but the team quickly adapted to the conditions and maintained their fluid style of play.
In today’s remaining group fixture, hosts Nepal will face India at 3:15 pm Bangladesh Standard Time. The tournament follows a league format, with the top two teams progressing to the final on 7 February.
Bangladesh’s track record in the SAFF youth tournaments is impressive, with victories across Under-18, Under-19, and Under-20 levels.
Bangladesh SAFF Youth Championship Record
| Age Group | Tournaments Held | Titles Won | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under-18 | 6 | 5 | Champions 2018–2023 |
| Under-19 | 6 | 5 | 2024 Dhaka: Joint Champions with India |
| Under-20 | 1 | 1 | 2025 Dhaka: Champions |
The current campaign is another step in the Red and Green women’s mission to retain their crown, having won the last Under-19 and Under-20 championships on home soil. The team’s explosive opening performance against Bhutan sets a confident tone as they pursue back-to-back victories in the tournament.