Shillong, June 7: Meghalaya footballer Sanfida Nongrum played a crucial role as India ended a seven-year wait for the SAFF Women’s Championship title, defeating defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 in the final at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Saturday. Her performance also earned her the award of the ‘Most Valuable Player’ of the championship.
The midfielder from Meghalaya once again delivered on the big stage, scoring a crucial goal just 40 seconds into the second half to restore India’s lead and set the hosts on course for a record-extending sixth SAFF Women’s Championship crown.
India took the lead through Pyari Xaxa in the 42nd minute before Bangladesh equalised in first-half stoppage time through Ritu Porna Chakma (45+1’). However, Sanfida ensured the momentum swung back in India’s favour immediately after the restart.
Pyari turned provider with a cross from the right flank, and Sanfida rose unmarked inside the penalty area to power a header into the net via the post in the 46th minute, sending the home crowd into celebration and putting the Blue Tigresses ahead 2-1.
The goal proved decisive as India gradually took control of the contest. Substitute Lynda Kom Serto later sealed the victory with a third goal in the 82nd minute.
Besides her goal, Sanfida’s also created many chances for her teammates to extend the scoreline. The Meghalaya midfielder was busy throughout the match, helping India maintain possession and linking up effectively in attack. She also created a late opportunity for Manisha Kalyan after a driving run forward as India continued to press for goals.
The triumph capped an outstanding tournament for Sanfida, who scored in both the semi-final and the final and was subsequently named the Most Valuable Player of the competition.
As the final whistle sounded, emotions ran high among the Indian players. Sanfida dropped to her knees before embracing teammate Dangmei Grace, who brought down the curtain on her international career after helping India lift the trophy.
India completed a dominant campaign, winning all four matches, scoring 18 goals and conceding only once throughout the tournament. The victory also denied Bangladesh a historic third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship title.
For Meghalaya football, Sanfida’s performance on South Asia’s biggest stage served as another reminder of the state’s growing contribution to Indian women’s football, with the midfielder playing a key role in India’s return to the summit of the regional game.
