Nepal U16 starts SAFF Women’s Championship with loss

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 3: Host Nepal suffered defeat in the first match of the SAFF U16 Women’s Championship against Bangladesh on Saturday. 

The U16 championship, between four teams, started on Friday with India facing Bhutan. Keeping a clean sheet, India scored seven goals past Bhutan in the tournament opener.

Nepal was seen struggling for combination/team attacks throughout the match as Bangladesh defended well. A much-composed team, Bangladesh was able to score two goals against Nepal in the first half.

Bangladesh opened its account in the 24th minute when Sauravi Akanda Prity converted a through pass by Sathi Munda.

It was made 2-0 by Bangladesh in the 30th minute after the travelling side earned a penalty. Alpi Akter, when pressuring Nepal’s box, was fouled by goalie Jharna Dumrakoti as she tried saving a poor pass by the defender.

Nepal was able to show some effort in the second-half. However, the host was only able to prevent Bangladesh from scoring more; Nepal could not bounce back with goals. Bangladesh’s goalie Mst Yearzan Begum was able to keep a clean sheet.

In the tournament, the top two of the four teams after playing one match each against one another will qualify for the finals.

Nepal will face Bhutan on March 4 and India on March 7. The tournament is being held at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Lalitpur.