, Aug. 22 -- Bangladesh's early momentum in the SAFF U-17 Women's Championship came to a halt on Friday as they fell 2-0 to India in Thimphu.

The match at the Changlimithang Stadium had tension from the start. Barely ten minutes in, goalkeeper Iarzan drew protests when her foot strayed outside the box while taking a goal kick.

The Indians were furious, the referee stepped in, and Bangladesh coach Mahbubur Rahman picked up a yellow card in the commotion. Three minutes later, India struck.

Pearl Fernandes slipped through a loose defensive line in the 14th minute, and though Iarzan got her hands on the shot, she couldn't stop it rolling in. Bangladesh chased an equaliser with a few half chances, but their finishing was poor.

They almost ...