Pokhara, Jan. 31 -- India began their SAFF U19 Women's Championship 2026 campaign with a 1-0 win against hosts Nepal at the Pokhara Rangasala Stadium in Pokhara, on Saturday, according to AIFF.

Pearl Fernandes (49') scored the only goal of the game right after the resumption in the second half.

Although this is a U19 tournament, India have travelled to Pokhara with a U17 squad preparing for the AFC U17 Asian Cup later this year.

Head coach Pamela Conti, who was appointed earlier this month, had her first game in charge, where she handed out junior India debuts to Redima Devi Chingkhamayum and Alva Devi Senjam, both of whom started the game.

On what could only be called a rough pitch, India began with the intent to get the lead early, ...