In their opening match of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024, Nepal managed only a frustrating 0-0 draw against Bhutan. This marks the first instance of Nepal finishing winless against Bhutan in the tournament’s history. Nepal, favored to win, struggled despite creating multiple scoring opportunities throughout the game. The absence of star player Sabitra Bhandari was felt as Nepal’s attack lacked effectiveness, leaving them without a goal.
In a disappointing match for Nepal, they were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Bhutan during the opening game of Group B in the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024, held at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu. This encounter marked a significant moment in history, as it was the first time that Nepal has failed to secure victory against Bhutan in the SAFF Women’s Championship, ending a streak of four consecutive wins over their rivals in previous editions – a streak during which they had scored 23 goals without conceding. Notably, Sabitra Bhandari, a key player for Nepal who had previously netted 10 goals against Bhutan, was absent from the match, which likely affected Nepal’s offensive capabilities. Throughout the match, Nepal dominated the play, creating numerous opportunities to score yet failing to convert any. Saru Limbu missed a clear chance in the 26th minute, while Rekha Paudel offered glimpses of hope upon her introduction in the second half. However, despite her valiant efforts, which included several near misses and multiple attempts thwarted by Bhutan’s resilient defense, Nepal could not find the back of the net. The match concluded with a promising yet unfulfilled display of ambition from Nepal, who will look to regroup as they prepare for their next encounter against the Maldives, following Sri Lanka’s earlier victory over the Maldives in the tournament.
The SAFF Women’s Championship is a prestigious tournament that emphasizes the development of women’s football in South Asia. This year, the championship has garnered attention as Nepal, who have reached five finals but have yet to win, were positioned as favorites against Bhutan. Historically, Nepal has enjoyed a dominant record against Bhutan in this tournament, contributing to the heightened expectations surrounding their performance. The absence of key personnel such as Sabitra Bhandari, coupled with a robust defensive strategy employed by Bhutan, created a challenging scenario for Nepal, which ultimately led to the unexpected draw.
In summary, the match between Nepal and Bhutan represents a notable shift in the competitive landscape of the SAFF Women’s Championship, as Nepal experienced an uncharacteristic struggle to overcome a determined Bhutanese side. The absence of key players and the inability to capitalize on opportunities proved detrimental to Nepal’s pursuit of victory, highlighting the unpredictable nature of competitive sports. As the tournament progresses, Nepal will need to address these shortcomings to maintain their ambition of clinching their first SAFF title.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
