Nepal secured a stunning 11–0 victory against the Maldives in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024, with Rekha Paudel scoring five goals and Preeti Rai contributing three. This win propels Nepal to the top of Group ‘B’ with four points, alongside Bhutan. Sri Lanka sits in third place, while the Maldives ends their campaign without points.
In an exceptional display of skill and team cohesion, Nepal triumphed over the Maldives with an emphatic score of 11–0 during the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 held on Monday. The match showcased remarkable performances from Nepali players, particularly Rekha Paudel and Preeti Rai, who each netted hat-tricks. Following this commanding victory, Nepal currently occupies the top position in Group ‘B’ with four points derived from two matches, leading on goal difference over Bhutan, who also have four points but a lesser goal tally. Sri Lanka follows closely in third place with three points, while the Maldives, unfortunately, did not secure any points, concluding their campaign in the tournament. Rekha Paudel emerged as the standout talent of the encounter, scoring five goals at the 32nd, 42nd, 48th, 63rd, and 77th minutes. Furthermore, Preeti Rai contributed three goals, finding the net at the 6th, 65th, and 87th minutes. The scoreline was further augmented by Sabita Rana Magar, Anita KC, and Amisha Karki, who each added one goal to their tally in the 29th, 68th, and 88th minutes, respectively. It is noteworthy that Sajani Thokar made her debut for Nepal during this match, while Sabitra Bhandari, who traveled from France the day before, did not participate. Looking ahead, Nepal is set to meet Sri Lanka in their final group-stage fixture, while Bhutan is scheduled to face the Maldives.
The SAFF Women’s Championship is a regional football tournament featuring teams from South Asia. In its 2024 edition, the tournament serves as a platform for women’s teams to showcase their talents and improve the standard of women’s football in the region. The current tournament format has teams grouped into different pools, where they compete to secure a spot in the next stages of the competition. The performance of teams like Nepal reflects not only their national prowess but also the growing enthusiasm and support for women’s football across South Asia.
In summary, Nepal’s staggering 11–0 victory over the Maldives highlights their dominance in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024, particularly through the remarkable individual performances of Rekha Paudel and Preeti Rai. As they prepare for their subsequent match against Sri Lanka, their position at the top of Group ‘B’ reinforces their status as contenders for the championship title, while the Maldives face elimination from the tournament.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
