Defending champions Bangladesh beat India 2-0 in their second match of the SAFF Under-19 Women’s Championship in Nepal on Monday.

Two first-half goals at Pokhara Stadium ensured two wins from two for Peter Butler’s team, following their 12-0 demolition of Bhutan in the opening fixture of the four-team tournament.

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India, who arrived with a 1-0 win over Nepal, threatened early, carving out a few half-chances in the opening quarter. Bangladesh goalkeeper Yearzan Begum was called into action in the ninth minute, producing a sharp reflex save to keep her side level.

However, Butler’s charges soon settled, with their ball distribution and composure beginning to tell.

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The breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute. From a left-footed free-kick delivered from the right wing, the ball arced towards the far post. Indian goalkeeper Munni could only manage a weak fend-off, and Bangladesh captain Arpita Biswas reacted quickest to turn the rebound into the net.

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Bangladesh doubled their lead before the break with a clinically executed move in the 40th minute. Munki Akhter surged down the right flank and delivered a teasing cross from near the touchline, splitting the trailing Indian centre-backs and finding Alpi Akter perfectly positioned. Alpi drove the ball home with her first touch, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

Alpi, the leading scorer in the Women’s Football League 2025–26 so far with 25 goals for leaders Rajshahi Stars, now shares the tournament’s top-scorer spot with Munki on four goals apiece.

Bangladesh made their first change in the 37th minute, with Shanti Mardi replacing Mamoni Chakma. Later, in the second half, Momita came on for Sauravi Akanda Prity, who appeared to have picked up an injury.

Butler’s team will next play Nepal on Wednesday in their final round-robin fixture.