India started their SAFF U19 Women’s Championship 2026 campaign with a 1-0 victory over hosts Nepal at the Pokhara Rangasala Stadium. Pearl Fernandes scored the lone goal just after the second-half kickoff.
Despite being a U19 tournament, India fielded a U17 squad in preparation for the upcoming AFC U17 Asian Cup. Head coach Pamela Conti, in her debut game, handed junior India debuts to Redima Devi Chingkhamayum and Alva Devi Senjam, both of whom started the match.
India initiated the game with a strategy to secure an early lead by playing aerial passes to break through the Nepal defense. The match saw both teams engaged in a midfield battle during the first half, with India opting for aerial plays to create scoring opportunities.
The second half began with India swiftly taking the lead as substitute Pritika set up Pearl for the decisive goal. Despite Nepal’s efforts to equalize, India’s defense held strong, denying any clear-cut chances. India’s next match is against Bangladesh on February 2, with the top two teams advancing to the final based on league standings.
