India’s U17 women’s football team thrashed Bhutan 5-0 in the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025, extending their unbeaten run with four wins in four matches. Star striker Anushka Kumari netted twice, leading the golden boot race as the Young Tigresses edge closer to the regional crown.
The Indian U17 women’s football team continued their dominant run at the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025, producing yet another clinical display with a 5-0 victory over Bhutan at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu on Wednesday. The win keeps the Young Tigresses firmly on course for the regional crown as they sit comfortably at the top of the table with four wins in as many matches.
Having already crushed Bhutan 8-0 in their previous encounter just four days earlier, India showed no signs of complacency. The Young Tigresses were ruthless from the very first whistle, racing to a 3-0 lead by half-time before adding two more in the second half to complete the rout.
Anushka Kumari Continues Golden Boot Charge
The star of the show was once again Anushka Kumari, who netted a brace and provided an assist to cap off another commanding individual performance. After scoring a hat-trick in the last meeting with Bhutan, Anushka carried her rich vein of form into this game. With seven goals to her name so far, she now leads the golden boot race in the tournament.
The other goals on the night came from Shveta Rani (24’), captain Julan Nongmaithem (77’), and Nira Chanu Longjam (90+5’), highlighting India’s attacking depth and ability to strike from multiple sources.
India’s Early Dominance
India wasted no time asserting their superiority. The breakthrough came as early as the 4th minute, when a defence-splitting pass released Anushka Kumari inside the box. Using her pace to evade her marker, she calmly slotted the ball past Bhutan goalkeeper Kelzang Wangmo, who hesitated to narrow the angle.
The Young Tigresses nearly doubled their lead moments later through Pearl Fernandes, whose effort was bravely blocked by a Bhutan defender. But India did not have to wait long for their second. In the 16th minute, Julan Nongmaithem won a free-kick at the edge of the penalty area, and Anushka stepped up to thunder a rocket into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper rooted.
Their relentless pressure soon forced another mistake in the 24th minute, when Wangmo’s clearance ricocheted off Pearl Fernandes and fell kindly for Shveta Rani, who calmly slotted into an empty net to make it 3-0.
Anushka almost grabbed her second consecutive hat-trick before the break, but her curling strike rattled the crossbar, narrowly sparing Bhutan from further misery in the first half.
Second-Half Control and Finishing Flourish
After the interval, India continued to dominate possession, dictating tempo and pinning Bhutan deep into their own half. Their patience was rewarded in the 77th minute, when Abhista Basnett played a clever pass to captain Julan Nongmaithem, who struck a powerful first-time effort into the net to make it 4-0.
Bhutan’s defence, visibly fatigued, was breached once more in stoppage time. A poor goal-kick fell to Anushka, who unselfishly fed Nira Chanu Longjam. The midfielder skillfully turned her marker before placing the ball past the goalkeeper to complete the 5-0 scoreline.
Solid Defence, Seamless Attack
The Young Tigresses’ campaign so far has been defined not only by their attacking prowess but also by their defensive solidity. India have now scored 22 goals in four matches without conceding any, underlining their status as the tournament’s most complete side.
At the other end of the table, Bhutan remain winless, having conceded 18 goals in their four games without finding the net themselves. Bangladesh are currently second with nine points, while Nepal trail on three points.
India also handed a debut to Binita Horo, who came on as a late substitute for Taniya Devi Tonamabam in the 84th minute, showcasing the depth of talent available in the squad.
Marching Towards the Crown
With this result, India tightened their grip on the top spot with 12 points. A victory in their final fixture would almost certainly confirm their status as champions of the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025.
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The Young Tigresses have not only thrilled fans with their attacking flair but also inspired confidence in the future of Indian women’s football. If they can maintain this consistency, the title seems only a matter of time.
