Kaski : India secured a commanding 8-0 victory over Bhutan in today’s match of the ongoing SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship.

The match, held at the International Football Stadium in Pokhara, saw India score seven goals in the first half and one in the second.

Forward Pearl Fernandes starred with a hat-trick, finding the net in the 6th, 39th, and 41st minutes. Midfielder Pritika Barman contributed two goals, scoring in the 25th and 90th minutes. Defenders Alisha Lyngdoh and Divyani Linda, along with midfielder Abhista Basnett, also added a goal each.

With this emphatic win, India strengthens its chances of reaching the final, while Nepal’s path to the final has become increasingly difficult.

India currently shares the top spot with Bangladesh, who have yet to play one match. Hosts Nepal sit in third place with three points.

The next league-phase match between Nepal and Bangladesh will be crucial in determining the finalists. Nepal will need a significant victory over Bangladesh to secure a spot in the final, scheduled for February 7. The championship began on January 31.