Anuskha Kumari's stellar hat-trick powered India to a dominant 8-0 victory over Bhutan in the SAFF U17 Women's Championship 2025 at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu on Sunday. This win marks the Young Tigresses' third consecutive victory in the tournament.
India wasted no time in asserting their dominance. Shveta Rani's corner nearly resulted in a goal in the 5th minute, but Bhutan's goalkeeper, Kelzang Wangmo, was alert. Shortly after, Divyani Linda's cross found Nira Chanu Longjam, but Wangmo denied the visitors again. Anuskha Kumari, Longjam, and Julan Nongmaithem all tested Wangmo, who made impressive saves. Bhutan's resistance finally broke in the 23rd minute when Abhista Basnett scored, leaving her unmarked at the near post. India led 1-0 at halftime.
In the second half, India continued their relentless attack. Kumari scored her first goal in the 53rd minute, followed by two more in the 61st and 73rd minutes, completing her hat-trick. Pearl Fernandes added another goal in the 71st minute, while Divyani Linda scored in the 77th minute. Valaina Jada Fernandes sealed the victory with a goal in added time. Abhista Basnett also scored her second goal in the 89th minute.
With this win, India have nine points from three matches, leading Bangladesh and Nepal, who each have three points. Bhutan, still without any points, were overwhelmed by India's attacking prowess. The team has scored 17 goals in three matches without conceding any.
The match between India and Bhutan was held on August 24, 2025, at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu. The match was streamed live on the Sportzworkz YouTube Channel.
The 2025 SAFF U-17 Women's Championship is the 7th edition of the tournament, which is an international football competition for women's under-17 national teams organized by SAFF. The tournament is being held in Bhutan from August 20–31, 2025, with four teams participating. Players born on or after January 1, 2008, are eligible to compete. Each team must register a squad of a minimum of 16 and a maximum of 23 players, with at least two goalkeepers.
