Bhutan 2 (Jamyang Choden 20', Deki Lhazom 28')
beat
India 1 (Khushbu Saroj 36')

Piyush Khanore
AIFF Media Team

NONTHABURI, THAILAND: India were eliminated from the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship 2026 title race after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Bhutan at the Nonthaburi Stadium on Friday, January 23, 2026.

Jamyang Choden (20') scored towards the end of the first half before Deki Lhazom doubled Bhutan’s lead in the 28th minute. Khushbu Saroj reduced the deficit for India in the 36th minute.

The defeat proved decisive for India’s title hopes. It was their second loss of the tournament, leaving them third in the standings with nine points from five matches. With only one fixture remaining against Sri Lanka on January 25, India can reach a maximum of 12 points.

However, Bangladesh have already accumulated 13 points from five matches, meaning India can no longer finish top of the table regardless of their final result.

The match, though, saw India dominate long spells but fall victim to Bhutan’s clinical finishing and resolute defence. India began with purpose and intent, pressing high and circulating the ball smartly across the court.

The Futsal Tigresses nearly took the lead early on when an outstanding diving save from Bhutan goalkeeper Sangita Monger met Diti Kanungo’s well-struck effort. India continued to create openings, with Achom Degio and Khushbu Saroj both testing Sangita, who proved equal to the task each time.

India’s control was not limited to the attacking phases. Their defensive organisation was equally impressive in the first period, with Arya More and Mithila Ramani producing timely interceptions to halt Bhutan’s advances. When the defence was breached, goalkeeper Tanvi Mavani reacted sharply to snuff out danger, ensuring Bhutan found it difficult to settle into any rhythm.

Despite India’s dominance, Bhutan struck against the run of play in dramatic fashion. With just 35 seconds remaining in the first period, Jamyang Choden won possession with a committed tackle on Jigmet Chunzen and surged forward. A swift one-two with Deki Lhazom allowed her to break through the final line of defence before finishing calmly to give Bhutan a 1-0 lead heading into the break.

Buoyed by the goal, Bhutan emerged for the second period with renewed confidence and nearly doubled their advantage immediately, only for Tanvi to deny Sunita Rai with a fine save. India attempted to regain control, but Bhutan grew increasingly dangerous on the counter.

The second goal arrived in the 28th minute from a set-piece. Pema Kuenzang Choeki delivered a corner towards Jamyang, who laid the ball off for Deki Lhazom. Showing strength and composure, Deki shrugged off her marker and fired into the net to make it 2-0.

With the deficit growing, India threw caution to the wind in search of a response. Sangita continued to frustrate them, punching away a powerful effort from Pooja Gupta and commanding her area under sustained pressure. India’s persistence finally paid off in the 36th minute when Arya More’s long-range shot was blocked, but Khushbu Saroj reacted quickest to tuck away the rebound and reduce the margin.

India came agonisingly close to an equaliser two minutes later. Arya once again tested Sangita from distance, and although the goalkeeper could only parry the shot, Ritika Singh struck the rebound against the woodwork from close range.

Bhutan weathered a tense final phase, defending deep and clearing their lines under heavy pressure to secure the victory.