Pyari Xaxa scored in the first half, giving India a lead at the break. | Photo Credit: X/Indian Football

India defeated Bangladesh 3-0 to secure top spot in Group B of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Sunday.

Pyari Xaxa opened the scoring in the 36th minute before second-half goals from substitutes Lynda Kom Serto and Malavika P. sealed the win. India finished the group stage with six points from two matches, after its earlier 11-0 win over Maldives, and will face Bhutan in the semifinal on Wednesday.

It was India’s first victory over Bangladesh in the competition since 2019, after defeats in the 2022 and 2024 editions.

Bangladesh started with purpose and almost caught India cold in the second minute, when a lapse from Shilky Devi Hemam gave Anika Rania Siddiqui an early opening. Goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam, however, dealt with the danger.

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That scare settled India, which gradually took control through better passing and stronger use of the flanks. Sanfida Nongrum, who marshalled the midfield well, had a chance in the 22nd minute after controlling the ball on the right, but dragged her effort wide. Five minutes later, Pyari failed to direct her header on target from a promising cross.

The striker made amends in the 36th minute. Shilky’s long ball towards the Bangladesh box was not cleared properly by Kohati Kisku, and Pyari showed composure to steady herself before firing a right-footed shot into the bottom corner past Mile Akter.

India remained the better side after the break and nearly doubled its lead in the 51st minute, when Mile spilled a dangerous cross into the six-yard area. Pyari was denied as Bangladesh threw bodies behind the ball.

Lynda, who replaced Aveka Singh in the 66th minute, almost scored two minutes later but saw her effort saved. She eventually got her goal in the 78th minute, converting from the spot after Malavika was brought down by Surma Jannat.

Malavika then completed the scoring in stoppage time, controlling Sangita Basfore’s cross from the right before finishing from close range. At the back, Nirmala Devi held India’s defence together, with Panthoi tested only in brief spells.

Published on May 31, 2026