Bangladesh starts strongly in SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship

Bangladesh made a promising start in the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship. In the tournament’s opening match, the red-and-green girls defeated hosts Bhutan 3-1 to secure three points. Alpi Akter scored twice for the team, while Surabhi Akand Preeti netted the other goal.

The match, held at Changlimithang Stadium in Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, saw Bangladesh dominate from the beginning. Despite keeping Bhutan’s defense and goalkeeper busy with repeated attacks, goals were hard to come by. Finally, in added time of the first half, Surabhi Akand Preeti scored to give the team the lead.

After the break, Bangladesh’s players returned to the field with even more confidence. In the 54th minute, Alpi Akter doubled the lead with a long-range shot. However, Bhutan reduced the gap in the 61st minute due to a goalkeeper error, with Rinzin Dema Choden scoring the goal.

Bangladesh, however, did not let their opponents stage a comeback. Just four minutes later, Alpi Akter scored her second goal from a scramble off a corner kick, securing the win for Bangladesh. No further goals were scored for the remainder of the match.

The Bangladeshi players now face their second match with increased confidence, taking on strong India on August 22. That match is expected to largely determine the semifinal standings.