Russia started their first- ever campaign in Bangladesh in style beating hosts Bangladesh by 3-0 goal in their first appearance in the five-nation South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-17 Women's Championship' 2023 at the

Bir Shrestha Shaheed Shipahi Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur here Wednesday afternoon.

Russia, the hosts of the 2018 FIFA Men's World Cup, currently 26th in FIFA women's world ranking earned a deserving victory in the day's match over the 140th FIFA women's ranked Bangladesh 

In their first appearance against an European side, Bangladesh women' s never settled down in the match against their physically and technically superior rivals Russia and suffered a big defeat.

In the day's match, captain Elena Golik opened the Russian account in the very 5th minute of the match (1-0) and she again doubled the margin in the 45th minute (2-0) to dominate the first half by 2-0 goal.

Anastasia Karataeva scored the 3rd goal for Russia in the 62nd minute (3-0) in their 3-0 victory over the home side.

Bangladesh, which made a flying start in the regional soccer meet with an emphatic 8-1 goal victory over Bhutan last Monday, will play India on March 24 at 7:15 pm and Nepal on March 28 at 3:15 pm in remaining matches.

Earlier in the tournament opener, India, riding on hattrick by Shilji Shaji, made a good start outplaying Nepal by 4-1 goal Monday afternoon.

Five countries, four from South Asia --- India, Nepal, Bhutan and hosts Bangladesh, alongwith European side Russia --are taking part in the nine-day meet, organized by SAFF, under the supervision of Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) in collaboration with UEFA.

After the league basis matches, the highest points holder team will be the champions.