Photo: BFF

DHAKA, Aug 20, 2025 (BSS)- Bangladesh got off to a winning start in the four-nation SAFF U-17 Women's Championship beating host Bhutan by 3-1 goals held at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu today (Wednesday).

In the proceeding, Alpi Akter scored a brace while Sauravi Akanda Prity supported her with a lone goal to secure Bangladesh's facile victory after leading the first half by 1-0 goal. Rinzin Dema Choden scored a lone goal for Bhutan.

From the outset, Bangladesh looked sharp, hungry to take the lead, they pegged Bhutan deep into their own half with wave after wave of attacks but failed to convert those lack of proper finishing. 

However the breakthrough finally came in the injury time of the first half. Receiving a lofted pass from Arifa Akter at the right wing, Sauravi Akanda Prity sent the ball to the net from inside the danger zone with perfect header.

The second goal came for Bangladesh nine minutes after the resumption, Alpi Akter, after receiving a pass from midfield, ran down and took a powerful right-footed shot from the top of the box giving no chance to Bhutanese custodian Kelzang under the bar. 

Bhutan staged a fight back in the 61st minute. Rinzin Dema reduced the margin in the 61st minute with a close range shot.

The third goal came following well-worked corner routine in the 65th minute. Substitute Fatema Akter floated in a teasing delivery from the left wing, Alpi received the ball sweetly and pushed push the ball from the handshake distance. 

Bangladesh completely dominated the entire proceeding and notched their deserving victory on the day while Bhutan were off-colored except the day's lone goal they second in the second half. 

The four nations will play each other twice in the double round robin league format.

Bangladesh will play their second match against India on Friday (Aug 22). Later, the girls in red and green will play against Nepal on August 24 and 27, Bhutan on August 29 and India on August 31. All the matches will be held at the same venue.

Earlier, India crushed Nepal by 7-0 goals in the day's another opening day's fixture held at the same venue. 

Bangladesh U-17 squad:

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.