Bangladesh U17 girls edge India 4-3 as Purnima scores fastest goal

Bangladesh’s girls have avenged their earlier defeat to India, outscoring them 4-3 in a thrilling finale to finish runners-up in the SAFF U17 Championship.

At Bhutan’s Changlimithang Stadium on Sunday, Purnima Marma sent in a powerful header just 30 seconds after kick-off from a Mamoni Chakma cross for the fastest goal in the tournament’s history, according to bdnews24.com.

The previous mark had been set by India’s Menaka Lourembam, who scored in the third minute against Bhutan in 2023.

India responded quickly, with Anushka Kumari rattling the crossbar before levelling in the ninth minute after a defensive error by Bangladesh captain Arpita Biswas.

Bangladesh regained control when Alpi Akter converted a rebound in the 34th minute, before Sauravi Akanda Prity raced clear to slot in their third early in the second half.

Pritika Barman pulled one back for India with a clever chip on 64th minute and, with two minutes to go, skipper Julan Nongmaithem lobbed goalkeeper Meghla Rani Roy to make it 3-3.

But Bangladesh snatched victory in stoppage time as Prity’s corner deflected in off a defender after the Indian keeper failed to clear.

Bangladesh closed the tournament with four wins and a draw from six matches, collecting 13 points. But a draw with Bhutan earlier in the campaign allowed India to secure the title.