Nepal Held to 0-0 Draw by Bhutan in SAFF Women’s Championship 2024

In a surprising turn of events, Nepal was held to a 0-0 draw by Bhutan in their SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 opening match, marking the first time Nepal has not won against Bhutan in SAFF history. Despite several scoring opportunities, Nepal could not penetrate Bhutan’s solid defense, while the absence of key player Sabitra Bhandari was keenly felt. Nepal will next face the Maldives in hopes of securing their first victory in the tournament.

In their opening match of the Group B at the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024, held on Friday at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal was thwarted by Bhutan, finishing the game without scoring, resulting in a 0-0 draw. This outcome marks a historic moment, as it is the first occasion in which Nepal has not secured a victory against Bhutan in the history of the SAFF Women’s Championship. Nepal had previously dominated Bhutan in their past four encounters, amassing a total of 23 goals while keeping their opponents scoreless. Notably, during the 2022 Championship, Nepal had triumphed over Bhutan with a scoreline of 4-0. For the Bhutanese team, this draw represents a significant achievement in their women’s football journey. Entering this tournament, Nepal aimed to secure their first SAFF title after narrowly missing out in five previous finals, standing as the clear favorites against Bhutan. Throughout the match, Nepal exerted considerable pressure on their opponents, yet they faltered against a resilient Bhutanese defense. The absence of Sabitra Bhandari, who is currently in France with her club En Avant Guingamp, was acutely felt by the Nepalese squad. Her club’s decision not to release her prior to the FIFA Women’s International window severely impacted Nepal’s attacking capabilities, as Bhandari has previously scored ten goals against Bhutan. During the match, Nepal created several opportunities in the first half but failed to convert them. A notable chance arose in the 26th minute when Saru Limbu was set up by Preeti Rai but could not find the target. As the match progressed, Nepal continued to struggle, with numerous attempts thwarted by Bhutan’s resolute defense. Coach Rajendra Tamang adjusted his strategy in the second half, bringing in Rekha Paudel and Dipa Shahi to bolster the attack. Paudel’s introduction had an immediate effect, as she posed a significant threat to Bhutan’s defense. She came close to scoring shortly after the restart and maintained a pressing presence throughout the second half. However, despite her efforts and further substitutions aimed at improving Nepal’s offensive output, they remained unable to breach the Bhutanese defense. In a last-minute bid for victory, Rana Magar attempted a long-range shot that struck the post, sealing the draw for Nepal. Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka secured a victory against the Maldives with a score of 1-0, courtesy of a header by WMK Imesha in the 17th minute. Nepal is scheduled to compete against the Maldives on Monday, hoping to secure their first win in the tournament.

The SAFF Women’s Championship is a significant regional tournament for women’s football teams in South Asia, drawing attention from various nations as they compete for the prestigious title. Nepal, known for its strong footballing pedigree in the region, aimed to clinch this championship for the first time, having previously reached the finals on multiple occasions but failing to win. This context highlights the importance of each match in the tournament for teams looking to make their mark, especially for underdog teams like Bhutan who seek to enhance their competitive standing in women’s football.

The 0-0 draw between Nepal and Bhutan in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 marks a noteworthy moment in the tournament as Nepal fails to secure a victory against Bhutan for the first time. Despite strong efforts and a plethora of scoring opportunities, the absence of key players, particularly Sabitra Bhandari, impacted Nepal’s performance. With this draw now behind them, Nepal will look to regroup for their next match against the Maldives, striving to achieve their first win in the tournament and keep their championship hopes alive.

Original Source: kathmandupost.com