Sethu FC scored a comfortable 4-1 win over HOPS FC in the final to be crowned champions of the inaugural AIFF Under-15 Women’s Youth League 2026-27 at the Sporting Planet Sports Complex in Belagavi, Karnataka.
Srishti Kumari scored twice (3′, 45+3′) to finish as the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals. Monika Devi Wairokpam added two more after the break (65′, 84′), while Jannat scored HOPS’ only goal (68′).
The result saw Sethu avenge their 0-1 defeat to HOPS in the group stage. HOPS had also won the inaugural AIFF Under-17 Women’s Youth League earlier this year, beating Nita FA in the final in July.
Sethu took the lead in the third minute through Srishti, who was played through on the left by Vanshika Yadav. She worked her way into the penalty area before beating goalkeeper Asma Soreng with a firm right-footed finish. Srishti had an earlier attempt saved by Asma, while Sethu continued to create chances, with several efforts going narrowly wide or over the crossbar.
Sethu controlled possession for long spells
Sethu controlled possession for long spells, with Monika, Asha Devi Konsam and Vanshika linking up in midfield. Their passing and movement helped the Madurai side find space in the attacking third, while HOPS struggled to build sustained attacks and largely relied on clearances. Lina Hembrom had a couple of attempts for the Delhi side, but Sethu’s defence dealt with the threat.
HOPS kept Sethu from extending their lead until the stroke of half-time. Srishti collected a long free-kick from Araddhya Dhang, drove forward on a solo run and moved into the box before shifting the ball to her right and placing it past Asma to make it 2-0.
Sethu continued in the same vein after the restart, and Monika made it 3-0 in the 65th minute with a right-footed strike from around 25 yards that flew into the top-right corner.
HOPS responded almost immediately. Radha’s throw-in from the right found Lina Hembrom, who sent a lob across the face of goal. Jannat arrived to finish on the run from close range and reduced the deficit in the 68th minute.
However, Monika restored Sethu’s three-goal advantage in the 84th minute. Combining with Asha, she worked her way into space on the right before driving a low right-footed shot across goal and into the far corner to complete the scoring.
Sethu managed the closing stages with their short-passing game to secure the title, with the final whistle prompting celebrations among the players and coaching staff.
Group A winners HOPS defeated Project Mahadeva FC 5-0 in the quarterfinals before edging past Community FC India 1-0 in the semifinals. Sethu, who topped Group B, progressed to the semifinals after beating Sesa FA 5-4 in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw in normal time. They then defeated Mumbai Knights FC 4-0 to set up the final against HOPS.
A total of 16 teams from across the country participated in the inaugural competition, divided into four groups of four. The top two teams from each group advanced to the quarterfinals, followed by the semifinals and the final.
Result: Sethu FC 4 (Srishti Kumari 3′, 45+3′, Monika Devi Wairokpam 65′, 84′) beat HOPS FC 1 (Jannat 68′).
