… To face Nepal tomorrow 

Thinley Namgay

Bhutan’s under (U)-17 national women’s football team lost to host Bangladesh 1-8 in the second game of the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship yesterday in Dhaka.

The host dominated the game although Bhutan showcased improved play.

Bangladesh scored four goals before the first half and four more in the next half.

Bhutan’s  Preya Ghalley scored one in the 63rd minute. Preya Ghalley’s dribble found the right side of the net finally.




Bhutan would have conceded more goals had it not been for Diktsha Rai’s excellent and relentless saves.

The forward players of the host were a major challenge for Bhutan. They were fast and talented.

Bangladesh is one of the dominant teams. In the 2022 edition of the tournament, Bangladesh defeated Bhutan 8-0.

Bhutan’s squad, consisting of 26 players, was selected in December. Training began soon after the team selection. The team had rigorous practice for more than two months.




Head coach, Ngawang Yangchen, said that Bangladesh is a strong team with a better game experience. “Bangladesh has been playing many international games. My players did not have that kind of  exposure.”

The fourth edition tournament is scheduled between March 20 and 28. In the first game yesterday, India defeated Nepal 4-1.

Ngawang Yangchen said that the current players are those who played in the last tournament and coordination among players was good.

Russia is also participating in the tournament. Russia became the first non-SAFF country to enter the tournament.