MARGAO (GOA), June 4 (H.S.): Five-time champions India booked their place in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 after defeating Bhutan 1-0 in the second semi-final on Wednesday night. The Indian women’s football team will now face defending champions Bangladesh in the title clash on Saturday at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

India, ranked 69th in the FIFA rankings and coming off a group stage in which they scored 14 goals in two matches, were expected to dominate the contest. However, Bhutan produced a disciplined defensive performance to keep the match closely contested.

Bhutan, making their third consecutive semi-final appearance, managed to frustrate India’s attacking line for long periods. India maintained the majority of possession throughout the match, but failed to score in the first half. Players such as Karisma Shirvoikar, Soumya Guguloth and Avaekka Singh created chances, but poor finishing and an excellent performance from the Bhutan goalkeeper kept the scoreline level at 0-0 at half-time.

Bhutan also created a few promising opportunities on the counterattack but were unable to convert them into goals.

The breakthrough for India came in the 60th minute of the second half when Sanphida Nongrum scored to give her side the lead. The goal ultimately proved to be the decisive moment of the match.

Head coach Crispin Chettri later introduced experienced players such as Manisha Kalyan and Pyari Xaxa, but India were unable to extend their advantage. Bhutan continued to fight until the final whistle, repeatedly testing the Indian defence.

However, Bhutan could not find the equaliser to take the match into extra time, and India secured a 1-0 victory to confirm their place in the final.

India are now just one win away from their first SAFF Women’s Championship title since 2019.

In the earlier semi-final, Bangladesh defeated Nepal 2-1 to reach their third consecutive final. Bangladesh also won the 2022 and 2024 editions of the tournament.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar