International title remains elusive for Nepali women football team

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By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Oct. 31: Nepali women football team’s international title drought continued as the host nation once again finished runners-up in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024, following a surprising defeat to Bangladesh in Kathmandu on Wednesday. 

Bangladesh stunned Nepal with a 2-1 victory, successfully defending their title in front of a packed crowd at Dasarath Rangasala. Monika and Ritu Porna Chakma scored one goal each for Bangladesh, while Amisha Karki netted one for Nepal.

In the previous 2022 edition of the tournament, Bangladesh had also shocked the Nepali team, winning 3-1 in front of home fans to claim their first SAFF Women’s Championship title. 

Despite reaching the final of the international tournament 12 times, Nepal remains without a title. This was the sixth final for Nepal in the SAFF Women’s Championship, where they have lost four times to India and suffered consecutive defeats to Bangladesh. 

The team has missed three opportunities to win the title on home soil. Nepal lost the 2019 edition to India in Biratnagar.

Although both teams had offensive moves, the first half ended in a goalless draw. Bangladesh created an early scare in the second minute when Gita Rana misfired on a goal kick, allowing Tohura Khatun to chip the ball, which hit the woodwork. 

Tohura had another chance from the rebound, but her header was saved by Nepali goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba.

Nepal could have taken the lead in the 10th minute, but Amisha Karki’s right-footed shot from outside the box hit the crossbar. In the 24th minute, Nepal failed to capitalize on a mistake by Bangladesh’s goalkeeper, Rupna Chakma, who mishandled a cross from Bimala BK inside the six-yard box. 

A Bangladeshi defender, Afeida, cleared the ball just before it reached Nepal’s leading scorer, Sabitra Bhandari. Amisha then missed another opportunity in the 28th minute, failing to convert an assist from Sabitra.

In the 33rd minute, Bangladesh was awarded a free-kick after midfielder Preeti Rai fouled Shamsunnahar Junior near the box. Monika Chakma took the free-kick, but her left-footed shot went over the bar. 

Sabitra’s blistering speed continuously threatened the Bangladeshi defense, but it was Bangladesh that broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute, silencing the more than 15,000 home fans. Taking advantage of a defensive error from Nepal, Monika scored after beating goalkeeper Anjila.

Captain Sabina Khatun intercepted a back pass from Amisha to Preeti, dribbled past three defenders, and assisted Monika, who scored with her second touch. However, Nepal quickly responded, with Amisha Karki leveling the score in the 55th minute. 

Playmaker Preeti Rai provided a through ball, and an unmarked Amisha made a quick run, scoring one-on-one against the goalkeeper.

Sabitra missed a chance in the 61st minute, hitting a shot from a tight angle just wide of the goal. Sabita Rana Magar’s shot in the 66th minute was easily saved by Rupna. 

Anjila made a crucial save against Bangladesh’s Mariya in the 67th minute, keeping the score tied. Unfortunately, in the 81st minute, Anjila could not prevent Nepal from conceding again. The ball deflected off her hand before entering the net after a cross from Ritu Porna.

Ritu was named Player of the Tournament for leading Bangladesh to the title, while Bangladesh’s Rupna was recognized as the best goalkeeper for the second consecutive SAFF Championship. Bhutan’s Deki Lhazom finished as the top scorer of the championship with eight goals.

Meanwhile, Nepal’s coach, Rajendra Tamang, announced his resignation from the Nepali women’s national football team following their final defeat against Bangladesh.

He made this announcement during the post-match conference held at Dasarath Rangasala. “I will no longer be the coach of the national women’s football team. I would prefer to manage a football club,” he stated.

Tamang also acknowledged a mistake he made during the match by substituting goal scorer Amisha with Anita Basnet. He explained, “After the score was tied 1-1, I wanted to bring in Anita for set pieces.” 

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