Nepal’s opening match in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw against Bhutan, marking the first time Nepal has failed to win against Bhutan in this tournament’s history. Despite several scoring opportunities, Nepal could not penetrate Bhutan’s solid defense, particularly missing star player Sabitra Bhandari. This result highlights a significant moment in regional women’s football as Bhutan secures a historic draw.
In a surprising outcome at the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024, Nepal faced Bhutan in their opening match and endured a frustrating 0-0 draw at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu. This result marks a significant milestone in the competitive history of both nations, as it is the first occasion Nepal has gone winless against Bhutan in the history of the SAFF Women’s Championship. Previously, Nepal had dominated their encounters, winning all four of their prior clashes with Bhutan, scoring a remarkable total of 23 goals without conceding any. The last time these teams met, Nepal achieved a convincing 4-0 victory in the 2022 edition of the tournament. During the match, Nepal, who are aiming for their first SAFF trophy after five near misses in the finals, struggled to penetrate a resolute Bhutanese defense, despite being the clear favorites. The absence of star player Sabitra Bhandari, currently engaged with En Avant Guingamp in France, was keenly felt; she had netted 10 goals against Bhutan in previous contests and her non-participation due to club commitments undoubtedly hindered Nepal’s offensive play. Nepal’s struggles were evident as they failed to capitalize on several opportunities, most notably in the first half. Saru Limbu, for instance, squandered a golden chance in the 26th minute after being set up by Preeti Rai, missing the target despite being well positioned. As the game progressed, the Nepali side managed several attempts in the closing stages of the first half, yet they were thwarted by Bhutan’s disciplined defense. Seeking a breakthrough, Coach Rajendra Tamang introduced Rekha Paudel and Dipa Shahi in the second half to enhance Nepal’s attacking options. Paudel quickly made an impact, challenging the Bhutan defense with her aggressive play. She came close to scoring just after the restart and was notably denied by a brilliant save from Bhutan’s goalkeeper and captain, Sangita Monger, after a powerful strike from a corner. Though Paudel had multiple opportunities to shift the game’s tide, including a chance set up by Dipa Shahi, she could not find the back of the net. As the match drew to a close, Nepal’s quest for victory was hampered further by the injury to Dipa Shahi, leaving the midfield vulnerable. Although Nepal made further substitutions to invigorate their attack, they were unable to break down Bhutan’s sturdy defense. A last-minute effort from Rana Magar hit the post, sealing the draw for Nepal. Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka secured a 1-0 victory over the Maldives, achieving their three points courtesy of a header from WMK Imesha. Nepal will look to rebound in their next match against the Maldives on Monday.
The SAFF Women’s Championship is a highly competitive tournament in which national teams from South Asia vie for the title. Historically, Nepal has been a strong contender, aiming for their first championship victory after reaching the finals five consecutive times without success. The match against Bhutan was anticipated as an opportunity for Nepal to assert dominance, given their previous record against Bhutanese teams. The tournament format allows for pivotal matchups, and this draw signifies a shift in perceived power dynamics in regional women’s football.
In conclusion, Nepal’s 0-0 draw with Bhutan at the SAFF Women’s Championship represents an unexpected setback for a team that has consistently triumphed over their opponents in the past. The absence of key players and missed scoring opportunities contributed to this result, highlighting the need for adjustments as Nepal prepares for their next challenge against the Maldives. Bhutan, on the other hand, celebrates a historic result that could serve as a turning point for their women’s football team.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
