Nepal stalled in goalless draw by Bhutan

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Oct. 19: Nepal and Bhutan played a goalless draw on Friday as the duo met in their first game of the 2024 SAFF Women´s Championship with both teams failing to capitalise on their chances.

While Bhutan did not create much chances, Nepal had plenty; however, unable to convert them, the chances remained half-baked. The major reason was a lack of proper positioning followed by poor first touches and ball control.

Nepal´s first chance for a goal came in the 12th minute and, after it, the chances kept on popping. A header obstructed by the own teammate in the 20th minute to Preeti Rai, Rashmi Kumari Ghising and Saru Limbu missing good chances in the 17th, 24th and 26th minutes, Nepal faced a number of disappointments in the first half. The most frustrating of the misses was during a confusion at Bhutan´s 18-yard box in the 40th minute.

In Bhutan´s case, they had a great chance created in the 22nd minute, other than that, Nepali keeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba was barely troubled. Nevertheless, Nepal´s left back, Hira Kumari Bhujel, sustained an injury in the additional time of the first half following which she was subbed off on a stretcher and transported to a hospital on an ambulance as soon as the first half ended. Bhujel was holding the defence alongside moving forward and creating opportunities for her teammates.

The second half saw Nepal in a more attacking manner as Rekha Poudel was subbed in with the start of the second half. Reaching for headers and getting in good places to receive the ball, Poudel was a headache for Bhutan as soon as she entered the ground. It was in the 59th minute when Poudel got an easy chance to shoot but it was saved by Bhutan´s goalie Sangita Monger. Of the many chances Nepal created, other than the ones missed by the players, the good ones were all saved by Monger.

Nepal and Bhutan shared a point and will be facing the Maldives and Sri Lanka in their upcoming group matches.

Thus, Nepal and Bhutan still have a chance to book a seat in the semis. But Nepal will need to improve their game if they are willing to challenge teams like India for the maiden trophy.