U-17s edge past India

Bangladesh beat India 1-0 in the SAFF U-17 Women's Championship, thanks to an own goal from India, at the Birshreshtha Shaheed Mostafa Kamal Stadium yesterday.

The goal came in the 74th minute of an otherwise drab affair, where neither team created too many meaningful chances. It looked as if the championship would produce its first stalemate following a glut of goals before India defender Akhila Rajan headed the ball into her own net while trying to clear a cross inside the box.

India, who were playing their second match after beating Nepal 4-1, were the more attacking side throughout the match though, but Bangladesh keeper Songita Rani Das was solid under the bar, foiling every Indian effort that came her way. The defenders also came to Bangladesh's rescue a few times.

Bangladesh, who came into the match on the back of a 3-0 defeat against Russia following an 8-1 thrashing of Bhutan, failed to build the game from behind as most of the time they tried to take long-ball approach, eventually losing possession in the process on most occasions.

Both teams had a great chance each in the first half, but failed to make that count. After a pretty even first half, India started the second half strongly and initiated many attacks but failed to beat Songita. Sagorika then failed to guide Sauravi Akanda Prity's cross into the net in the 54th minute, despite being inside the box with no markers around. India though continued their domination but that own goal led to their downfall and Bangladesh held firm for the remainder of the match to earn all three points.

Meanwhile, favourites Russia thrashed Bhutan 9-1 in the first match of the day. With two wins and a positive goal difference of 11, the European nation sit on top of the five-team table after the second match day.