India thrashed Bhutan 8-0 in their final round-robin match of the SAFF Under-19 Women’s Championship on Wednesday to seal a place in the final against Bangladesh at the Pokhara Rangasala Stadium.
Pearl Fernandes starred with a first-half hat-trick, scoring in the 16th, 39th and 41st minutes, as the Indian Under-17 side dominated throughout. Pritika Barman added goals in the 25th and 90th minutes, while Alisha Lyngdoh (6th), Abhista Basnett (10th) and Divyani Linda (17th) also found the net.
The emphatic victory ensured India finished second in the standings with six points from three matches, three behind group leaders Bangladesh. Nepal ended third with three points, while Bhutan finished bottom without a point.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh defeated hosts Nepal 4-0 in the other round-robin fixture to confirm a summit clash with India. The final will be played on Saturday.
Also read: India crowned SAFF U19 champions after nerve-wracking final
The Pamela Conti-coached Young Tigresses were in complete control from the outset, exploiting defensive gaps and pressing relentlessly. Lyngdoh opened the scoring with a well-struck half-volley from outside the box, before Abhista doubled the lead minutes later after a cut-back from Pritika.
Pearl made it 3–0 following a precise through-pass from Thandamoni Baskey, and Divyani added the fourth almost immediately. Pritika’s composed finish in the 25th minute made it five before Pearl struck twice more to complete her hat-trick before half-time.
India eased off after the break but maintained control, with Pritika scoring again late on to complete the rout. She was named Player of the Match.
India’s participation in the Under-19 championship forms part of their preparations for the AFC Under-17 Women’s Asian Cup in China next year.
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