Shillong, Aug 25: Anushka Kumari fired a stunning hat-trick as India maintained their perfect record in the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship 2025, thrashing hosts Bhutan 8-0 at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu on Sunday.
It was the Young Tigresses’ third consecutive win of the tournament. Besides Anushka’s (53’, 61’, 73’) stellar performance, Abhista Basnett (23’, 89’) scored a brace while Pearl Fernandes (71’), Divyani Linda (77’), and Valaina Fernandes (90+2’) were on target. India led 1-0 at half time.
With this dominant result, the Young Tigresses have now scored 17 goals in three matches without conceding any, tightening their grip on top spot in the table and edging closer to the trophy.
India now have 9 points from three matches, ahead of Bangladesh and Nepal, who have 3 points each. Bhutan, still without a point, were simply overwhelmed by a side firing on all cylinders, especially in the second half.
For this match, Meghalaya’s Bonifilia Shullai (pictured right) was included in the first XI, joining fellow Meghalayan Alisha Lyngdoh (left), for whom this was the third straight time that she has featured in the starting lineup.
Alisha again played the whole match, while Bonifilia was substituted in the 68th minute by Pearl.
India will play their first second leg match again against Bhutan on 27th August at 5:30PM India time.
(Photos: All India Football Federation/Facebook)
