Thimphu: Bangladesh got off to a winning start in the four-nation SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship, defeating host Bhutan 3-1 at Changlimithang Stadium. In the proceeding, Alpi Akter scored a brace, while Sauravi Akanda Prity contributed a goal to secure Bangladesh’s victory after leading the first half by 1-0. Rinzin Dema Choden scored Bhutan’s lone goal.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh dominated the match from the start, pressuring Bhutan with constant attacks, but struggled with finishing. The breakthrough came in first-half injury time when Sauravi Akanda Prity headed in a lofted pass from Arifa Akter.
Nine minutes into the second half, Alpi Akter scored Bangladesh’s second goal with a powerful right-footed shot. Bhutan attempted a comeback in the 61st minute when Rinzin Dema Choden scored with a close-range shot.
Bangladesh’s third goal followed a corner routine in the 65th minute, with Alpi Akter scoring from a close range after a delivery from Fatema Akter. Bangladesh controlled the match, securing a deserved victory, while Bhutan managed only one goal.
The championship features a double round-robin league format with four nations. Bangladesh will face India in their second match on Friday, followed by matches against Nepal on August 24 and 27, Bhutan on August 29, and India on August 31, all at the same venue.
In another opening day’s fixture, India defeated Nepal 7-0 at the same venue.
Bangladesh U-17 squad members include Yearzan Begum, Meghla Rani Roy, Tania Akter Fomi, Arpita Biswas Arpita, Fatema Akter, Umma Kulsum, Arifa Akter, Mst Almina, Mst Resme Akther, Thuinuye Marma, Sauravi Akanda Prity, Kranuching Marma, Reya, Alpi Akter, Protima Rani Joba Rani, Sorovi Rani, Mamoni Chakma, Ishita Tripura, Purnima Marma, and Mst Amena Khatun.