Margao, May 31: Meghalaya midfielder Sanfida Nongrum delivered an impressive performance to earn the Player of the Match award as India defeated Bangladesh 3-0 to finish atop Group B in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 on Sunday.
India registered their second consecutive win of the tournament, having earlier thrashed Maldives 11-0, and ended the group stage with a perfect six points from two matches.After a competitive opening period, Pyari Xaxa broke the deadlock in the 36th minute to give the hosts a deserved lead. India continued to dominate proceedings after the break, with Lynda Kom Serto converting a penalty in the 78th minute before Malavika P added a third goal deep into stoppage time to complete a convincing victory.
Sanfida, who missed India’s opening match, was influential in midfield throughout the contest and played a key role in the build-up to the second goal, helping India maintain control of the game.
The victory was particularly significant for the Blue Tigresses as it marked their first win over Bangladesh in seven years. With the win, India advanced to the semifinals as Group B winners and will face Bhutan on June 3. (Agencies)
