India crush Bhutan 10-1, enter final

Thimphu, October 11

India sailed into the final of the SAFF U-15 Women's Championship after thrashing hosts Bhutan 10-1. Sai Sankhae (63rd, 64th, 72nd) scored hat-trick while Lynda Kom Serto (19th, 54th), Sumati Kumari (24th, 86th) and Kiran (15th, 21st) scored a brace each. Priyanka Sujeesh (8th) scored one goal for India. 

India started on the front foot as Amisha found some space on the right flank, advanced into the box and squared it to Priyanka Sujeesh, who slotted it home.

Bhutan equalised immediately via a goalmouth scrap through Sangay Wangmo (9th), but Kiran restored India's lead as she knuckled a swerving shot into the top corner. Lynda finished off a fine move before Kiran and Sumati added two more as India went into half-time leading 5-1. 

India came out with the same intensity in the second half as Lynda scored her second goal of the game to make it 6-1. It was Sai Sankhae's show as the substitute netted three goals in nine minutes to take India's tally to nine before Sumati added the 10th with around five minutes to go. 

With this win, India have sealed a spot in the final after garnering six points. They will face Bangladesh in the final who beat Nepal 2-1. Before the summit clash, India and Bangladesh will square 

off in the penultimate group stage match on Sunday. — PTI