India 7 (Abhista Basnett 16’, 41’; Nira Chanu Longjam 25’, 56’; Anushka Kumari 33’, 62’; Julan Nongmaithem 45+1’)
beat
Nepal 0

Akhil Rawat
AIFF Media Team

THIMPHU, BHUTAN: India’s U17 women’s team sent out a resounding statement of intent in their SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025 opener, dismantling Nepal with a thumping 7-0 victory at the iconic Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

Braces from Nira Chanu Longjam (25’, 56’), Abhista Basnett (16’ 41’), and Anushka Kumari (33’, 62’), along with a strike from captain Julan Nongmaithem (45+1’), ensured a flawless start to India’s campaign. The Young Tigresses raced to a commanding 5-0 lead by half-time, leaving Nepal no room for recovery in what was a one-sided affair from the outset.

With the tournament adopting a double round-robin format this year, it was imperative for India to begin on the front foot, and they did so in sensational style.

Nepal didn't allow India to assert their dominance from the first whistle. But it was only a matter of time before the Young Tigresses' cohesive structure, the result of months of training since January, began becoming evident. The midfielders gradually began dicating tempo, finding incisive passes and carving through Nepal’s defence with sharp distribution, while the forwards constantly found pockets of space to create havoc.

The backline, though tested early, remained compact and resilient. Goalkeeper Munni produced a solid display, securing a clean sheet and marshalling her defence with confidence.

Set-pieces proved to be a significant weapon for India. The breakthrough came in the 16th minute after a poor backpass resulted in a corner. Shveta Rani swung in a dangerous delivery from the left, and Nepal custodian Jharna Dumrakoti fumbled under pressure. Abhista was quickest to react, slotting home from close range.

India doubled their advantage in the 25th minute. Anushka slipped a beautifully weighted pass behind the defence for Nira, who still had work to do. The striker powered home a low drive, beating the stretching Dumrakoti.

Anushka then turned scorer in the 33th minute, racing onto a through ball by Abhista and showing great composure to beat the keeper and make it 3-0.

Four minutes later, Abhista made it a brace. A pass from Anushka intended for Nira was deflected by Anshu BK, but Abhista latched onto the loose ball and fired home a precise finish to extend the lead to 4-0.

On the stroke of half-time, India added their fifth. A goalmouth scramble following another corner saw Julan react swiftly and tuck the ball into the net, sparking wild celebrations from the bench.

Even with the result virtually secured, India showed no signs of slowing in the second half. In the 56th minute, Nira found herself unmarked and unleashed a fierce shot to complete her brace and take the scoreline to 6-0.

The seventh came in the 62nd minute, this time a display of team interplay. Abhista teed up Nira at the edge of the box. As the goalkeeper charged out, Nira calmly laid the ball off to Anushka, who finished into an open goal to seal a clinical 7-0 triumph.

India: Munni (GK), Alena Devi Sarangthem, Taniya Devi Tonambam (Pritika Barman 46'), Elizabed Lakra, Divyani Linda, Julan Nongmaithem (C) ( Bonifilia Shullai 63’), Anushka Kumari (Valaina Jada Fernandes 75’), Shveta Rani, Abhista Basnett (Thandamoni Baskey 63’), Nira Chanu Longjam (Pearl Fernandes 75’), Alisha Lyngdoh.