Nepal faced Bhutan in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024, resulting in a 0-0 draw, marking the first time Nepal has gone winless against Bhutan in this tournament. Despite dominating past encounters, Nepal struggled to convert opportunities without key player Sabitra Bhandari, who was not available for the match. The result underscores Bhutan’s progress in women’s football, while Nepal aims to regroup for their next match against the Maldives.
In their opening match at the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024, held at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal was frustrated as they played to a 0-0 draw against Bhutan. This outcome marked a significant moment in the tournament’s history, as it was the first time Nepal has failed to secure a victory against a Bhutanese team in the women’s competition. Nepal, who had previously dominated their encounters with Bhutan, winning all four prior matches while scoring a remarkable 23 goals and conceding none, was anticipated to emerge victorious yet could not penetrate Bhutan’s resilient defense. The absence of Sabitra Bhandari, a key player currently competing in France, was notably detrimental to Nepal’s offensive strategy. Bhandari has been instrumental in Nepal’s scoring history against Bhutan, netting 10 goals in past encounters. Throughout the match, Nepal had multiple scoring opportunities but failed to capitalize on them due to a combination of missed chances and strong defensive play from Bhutan. Saru Limbu was particularly close to scoring in the 26th minute but could not convert a promising opportunity. As the match progressed, Coach Rajendra Tamang made substitutions to enhance the attack, notably bringing on Rekha Paudel, who immediately affected the flow of the game and created chances. Nevertheless, despite Paudel’s attempts, including a striking effort that was brilliantly saved by Bhutan’s goalkeeper Sangita Monger, Nepal could not find the net. The situation was further complicated when injuries to key players left the Nepalese midfield struggling to maintain momentum. In the concluding moments, Rana Magar nearly clinched the victory for Nepal but her long-range shot struck the post, sealing the draw. Prior to this match, Sri Lanka secured three points with a 1-0 victory over the Maldives, thanks to a header by WMK Imesha. The Nepalese team is set to face the Maldives next on Monday, as they seek to bounce back from this unexpected result.
The SAFF Women’s Championship is an established tournament featuring football teams from South Asia. It provides a competitive platform for women’s teams to showcase their talent and is vital for the development of women’s football in the region. Historically, Nepal has performed strongly against Bhutan in this championship; however, the results from this particular match have shifted the narrative. This match serves as a reminder of the growing capabilities of teams like Bhutan, who underlined their progress by managing to hold a team like Nepal to a draw.
The 0-0 stalemate between Nepal and Bhutan in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 reflected a pivotal moment in the history of women’s football in the region. Nepal’s inability to score against Bhutan for the first time in the tournament’s history highlights potential vulnerabilities within their squad, especially in the absence of top players. As Nepal prepares for their upcoming match against the Maldives, they must reassess their strategies to avoid another disappointing result.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
