Russia clinch SAFF U-17 Women’s title

Russia clinched the title of the SAFF U-17 Women's Championship with a hundred per cent record following a 2-0 win over India in the final match of round robin format at the Birshreshtha Shaheed Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur yesterday.

Russia, who are suspended from playing in UEFA-and-FIFA–sanctioned events since the country's invasion of Ukraine last year, were invited by the SAFF as guest participants in the five-team championship. And the European nation cruised to the title with 12 points from four games, following the win over India last night.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, finished runners-up with seven points after being held to a 1-1 draw by Nepal in their last match earlier yesterday.

The hosts got on the backfoot early, conceding an 8th-minute lead, with Senu Pariyar finishing a solo move with a fantastic finish. The girls in red and green, though, scored a well-deserved equaliser in the 75th minute of the game, Sagorika turning home Trishna Rani's cross from in front of goal.

India, despite the defeat, finished third with six points while Nepal finished fourth with four points. Bhutan ended the championship without collecting a single point.