Bangladesh Under-19 women’s team opened their SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship 2026 campaign in stunning fashion, thrashing Bhutan 12-0 in their first group match at the Pokhara Rangasala Stadium in Nepal on Friday.

Munki Akhter netted four goals while Sree Moti Trishna Rani and Alpi Akter scored three each.

The Bangladeshi girls dominated from the outset, taking a 4-0 lead into halftime before unleashing an eight-goal blitz in the second half to seal a comprehensive victory.

Mamoni Chakma broke the deadlock in the 28th minute before Sree Moti Trishna Rani doubled the lead in the 43rd. Most Munki Akhter then struck twice in quick succession in the 44th and 45+3rd minutes to give Bangladesh a commanding advantage at the break.

Head coach Peter Butler introduced three changes after halftime, bringing on Mira Khatun, Bonna Khatun and Momita Khatun in place of Sauravi Akanda Prity, Kranuching Marma and Puja Das.

Trishna completed her hat-trick with goals in the 54th and 60th minutes before being replaced by Shanti Mardi. Alpi Akter opened her account in the 73rd minute, while Munki added another in the 81st minute to complete her treble. Alpi struck again in the 86th minute to continue Bangladesh’s goal rush.

In stoppage time, Munki, Alpi and Arpita Biswas each scored once to cap off a ruthless attacking display.

Bangladesh controlled possession and launched relentless attacks throughout the match, leaving Bhutan’s defense under constant pressure. The Bhutanese side struggled to cope with the pace and movement of the Bangladeshi forwards and failed to mount any meaningful resistance.

The match, attended by a modest crowd of 30 spectators, was the opening fixture of the tournament. With this emphatic victory, Bangladesh U-19 Women sent a strong early signal of their title ambitions.

Bangladesh will face India on February 2 and hosts Nepal on February 4 in their remaining group matches at the same venue. The top two teams from the round-robin stage will advance to the final, scheduled for February 7.