Kolkata, June 3: The Indian women’s team secured their spot in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 final after beating Bhutan 1-0 on Wednesday evening at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The only goal of the semi-final came in the second half through Sanfida, and with the crucial win, the Blue Tigresses moved into the final.

In the first half, India created many chances as they maintained their attacking pressure, but none of them were on target. In the 3rd minute, a goal-bound moment came when Sangita Basfore sent in a high ball. Bhutan’s goalkeeper tried to collect it, and at that moment Karishma was there, but she failed to capitalise on the opportunity as India missed an early chance.

In the 15th minute, Jamyang’s throw-in was cleared, but Bhutan held on. Inside the box, Pema received the ball and attempted a shot, though Panthoi Chanu saved the threat. Within a few minutes, a dog came onto the field, which led to the game being stopped for a short while.

In the 27th minute, India missed one of their golden chances. Shilky Devi sent a long ball for Soumya Guguloth, but before she could attempt a shot, the Bhutan’s keeper Sangita came off her line and collected the ball. Soumya could have reacted a bit earlier.

The breakthrough came early in the second half. In the 58th minute, the Bhutan goalkeeper cleared the ball, which Sangita collected and quickly delivered into the box where Sanfida was well positioned. She calmly scooped the ball into the net to give India the important lead.

Bhutan looked to find an equaliser as the game went on, but every attack was carefully handled by India’s defensive line. In the 83rd minute, meeting a cross from the right, Malavika P unleashed a shot from inside the box, but it went wide, which seemed the second almost came in for the blue tigresses.

With 70% ball possession, dominant attacking play, 12 shots, and three on target, the Blue Tigresses moved into the final of this edition of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 after maintaining their dominance throughout the group stages. There, the defending champions Bangladesh await them after beating Nepal in the semi-final.

In the final of the previous edition, Bangladesh lifted the trophy after beating Nepal, and doing the same they reached 2026 edition final. In this edition, India defeated Bangladesh in the final group-stage match to move into the semi-finals as group toppers. Now, both neighbouring nations are set to face each other in a thrilling final that awaits.