India women's team beats Bhutan 1-0; finishes third at football championship

India women beat Bhutan by a solitary strike from Devneta Roy to finish third in the U-18 SAFF Football Championship on Sunday.

Devneta scored the winner in the 73rd minute which proved to be the difference between the two teams in a closely contested encounter.

In the 15th minute, Devneta failed to tap home from close range after a cross from the left flank found her in perfect position.

Back-to-back chances for Balamurugan failed to see the light the day as the Indian women upped the ante.

In the 24th minute, Bala's shot from inside the 18-yard box missed the target and her powerful nod in the 27th minute went over the horizontal.

After a change of ends, hosts Bhutan started on a positive note and dominated possession as India hit on the counter.

In the 73rd minute, Devneta, after sidestepping her marker, lobbed the ball over the opposition custodian to give India its decisive lead.

(With inputs from agencies.)