Kathmandu: Nepal endured a heavy 7-0 defeat at the hands of India in their opening match of the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Wednesday.

India dominated the game from the start, netting five goals in the first half and adding two more after the break. Abhista Basentt opened the scoring with goals in the 16th and 41st minutes. Nira Chanu Longjam added to the tally in the 25th and 56th minutes while Anushka Kumar found the back of the net in the 33rd and 62nd. Julan Nongmaithem completed the first-half rout with a goal during stoppage time.

In the day’s other fixture, Bangladesh defeated hosts Bhutan 3-1. Sauravi Akanda Prity gave Bangladesh the lead in first-half stoppage time before Alpi Akter extended the advantage with goals in the 54th and 65th minutes. Rinzin Dema Choden scored Bhutan’s lone goal in the 61st minute.