Sabitra nets brace as Nepal beat India 2–1

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Oct. 28: Sabitra Bhandari, popularly known as Samba, bagged a brace as Nepal edged past India 2–1 to end the 2025 Women’s Tri-Nation Tournament on a high.

The match was a dead rubber, with Iran already crowned champions after two wins. Still, both Nepal and India were determined to restore pride following heavy defeats to Iran—Nepal lost 3–0, while India went down 2–0.

With the result, Nepal finished second in the standings, while hosts India settled for third.

In Monday’s final fixture at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, Sabitra gave Nepal an early lead in the second minute. She latched onto a long ball from centre-back Bimala BK, controlled it with her chest, and calmly slotted it past the advancing keeper Panthoi Chanu into the far corner. It marked her 65th international goal.

India threatened in the 14th minute when defender Ranjana Chau fired a powerful shot from outside the box after a pass from forward Lynda Kom. Nepali goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar made a vital save to keep the scores level.

Just before half-time, Panthoi Chanu denied Nepal again. Midfielder Dipa Shahi played a clever through ball to Sabitra, who controlled it well and aimed a low shot towards the far post, only to be stopped by the Indian keeper. Moments later, Bimala BK’s long-range effort was also saved.

Sabitra doubled Nepal’s lead in the 63rd minute. She stepped up for a free-kick from 25 yards out and curled it over the wall, sneaking it under the crossbar beyond the reach of Panthoi Chanu. It was her 66th international goal and Nepal’s 14th against India. Sabitra has now scored nine goals against the southern neighbours.

India pulled one back with nine minutes to go. Nepal conceded a needless free-kick, and Nirmala Devi floated in a pinpoint delivery. Karishma timed her run perfectly and poked the ball past Anjana to make it 2–1. U-19 forward Mina Deuba made her senior debut, replacing Rekha Poudel in the 78th minute.

Coach Nabin Neupane made three changes from the side that faced Iran. He brought in goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar, midfielder Dipa Shahi, and defender Manmaya Damai. Goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapoo Subba and defenders Nisha Thokar and Hira Kumari Bhujel were rested.

This was Nepal’s fourth win over India in 18 meetings. India have dominated the head-to-head with 11 wins, while four matches have ended in draws.

India have now failed to beat Nepal in their last three meetings. Nepal will face India again in an international friendly on Thursday in Sikkim.