Shillong, Aug 20: India’s sent out a resounding statement of intent in their SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship 2025 opener, dismantling Nepal with a thumping 7-0 victory at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu today.
Braces from Nira Chanu Longjam (25’, 56’), Abhista Basnett (16’ 41’), and Anushka Kumari (37’, 62’), along with one 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.
Meghalaya’s Alisha Lyngdoh played the full match after making to the starting line-up, while Bonifilia Shullai came on as a substitute in the 63rd minute in place of Nongmaithem and wore the captain’s armband as well.
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.
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 37th minute, racing onto a through ball 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 will next play Bangladesh on Friday at 2:30PM India time.
(All India Football Federation photo. Alisha Lyngdoh is standing third from right)
