Nepal’s women’s football team was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw against Bhutan in their opening match of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024. This result signifies the first time Nepal has gone winless against Bhutan and failed to score in their encounters in SAFF history. Despite having several opportunities, Nepal could not penetrate Bhutan’s defense, a situation complicated by the absence of key player Sabitra Bhandari.
Nepal’s women’s football team encountered a setback in their opening match of the Group B at the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024, held at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu, ending in a disappointing 0-0 draw against Bhutan. This outcome marks a significant milestone in the tournament’s history, as it is the first occasion that Nepal has finished winless against a Bhutanese side in the SAFF women’s championship. Historically, Nepal had been dominant in previous encounters with Bhutan, winning all four of their prior SAFF matches and scoring a staggering 23 unanswered goals, including a 4-0 victory in the last edition of the tournament. However, the absence of prominent player Sabitra Bhandari, who could not participate due to club commitments, was noticeably felt throughout the match, impacting Nepal’s ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities. Nepal managed to threaten Bhutan’s goal with several attempts, notably in the first half. Saru Limbu squandered a prime opportunity to open the scoring in the 26th minute, missing a clear shot set up by Preeti Rai. The trend of near misses continued with additional chances that were thwarted by a resolute Bhutanese defense. In response to the team’s struggles, Coach Rajendra Tamang introduced Rekha Paudel and Dipa Shahi to enhance the attacking play. Paudel’s insertion quickly proved impactful as she sought to penetrate Bhutan’s defense, but despite her efforts, including several attempts on goal, the stubborn Bhutanese defense held firm, aided by an exceptional performance from goalkeeper Sangita Monger. The second half saw additional tactical changes from Nepal; however, injuries to key players, including Limbu and Shahi, left the team’s midfield lacking clarity. Despite a valiant last-minute effort from Rana Magar that struck the post, Nepal could not break the deadlock. Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka recorded a 1-0 victory over the Maldives, setting the stage for Nepal’s upcoming match against the Maldives on Monday.
Nepal has a strong history in women’s football, particularly in the SAFF Women’s Championship, where they have been perennial contenders with a notable record against their neighbors, including several decisive victories over Bhutan. The team’s ambition to clinch their first SAFF crown adds pressure to perform well in the tournament, especially after consistently reaching the final without success. The match against Bhutan was crucial for setting the tone for their championship campaign. The absence of key players, like Sabitra Bhandari, who has a prolific scoring record against Bhutan, contributed to Nepal’s difficulty in breaking through Bhutan’s defenses. The game serves as an important reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where even the favorites can face unexpected challenges.
The 0-0 draw between Nepal and Bhutan at the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 highlights a significant moment in the tournament’s history, marking Nepal’s first failure to secure a win against Bhutan in this competition. The match showcased Nepal’s struggle to capitalize on scoring opportunities, exacerbated by the absence of crucial players such as Sabitra Bhandari. As the tournament progresses, Nepal must regroup and reassess their strategy to ensure a successful campaign, facing the Maldives in their next match.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
