06/06/2026
🏆India🇮🇳 Ends Bangladesh🇧🇩's Reign to Reclaim SAFF Women's Championship Title
The Blue Tigresses are champions of South Asia once again.
India🇮🇳 defeated Bangladesh🇧🇩 3-1 in the final of the SAFF Women's Championship 2026 in Goa, ending Bangladesh🇧🇩's hopes of completing a historic hat-trick of titles and lifting their sixth SAFF Women's Championship crown.
Bangladesh🇧🇩 came into the tournament as defending champions after winning the 2022 and 2024 editions, defeating Nepal🇳🇵 in both finals. However, their road to the final this year was far more challenging. After finishing runners-up behind India🇮🇳 in the group stage, where they suffered a 3-0 defeat, they were forced to navigate a tough semi-final against Nepal🇳🇵 before booking their place in the title clash.
The final started as an evenly contested affair. India🇮🇳 broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute through Xaxa, but Bangladesh🇧🇩 responded immediately when star forward Ritu Porna Chakma found the equalizer in first-half stoppage time.
The second half belonged to India🇮🇳.
Just a minute after the restart, Nongrum restored India🇮🇳's lead in the 46th minute, exposing defensive weaknesses in the Bangladesh🇧🇩 backline. As Bangladesh🇧🇩 pushed forward in search of another equalizer, India🇮🇳 continued to create chances and control the game.
The decisive moment arrived in the 82nd minute when Kom found the net to make it 3-1, sealing the title for the hosts and ending Bangladesh🇧🇩's dream of a third consecutive championship.
India🇮🇳's triumph marks a significant return to the top after several years of inconsistent performances, while Bangladesh🇧🇩's defeat brings an end to one of the most remarkable rises in South Asian women's football.
Despite the result, both India🇮🇳 and Bangladesh🇧🇩 have established themselves as the region's leading forces, with both nations recently qualifying for and competing in AFC competitions at senior and youth levels.
South Asia has a new champion once again, and the Blue Tigresses are back on the throne.