Women Football

Head coach Chet Narayan Shrestha has announced the final squad for the upcoming AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Nepal will compete against hosts Thailand and Turkmenistan in the qualifiers scheduled from October 13 to 17.

Final squad

Goalkeepers: Jharna Dumrakoti, Laxmi Oli, Bhupika Shahi

Defenders: Dikshya Rayamajhi, Alija Kumari BK, Gyanshu Dolmo Lo, Samjhana Chand, Purnima Tadi, Anu Majhi, Min Maya Shrestha, Anshu BK

Midfielders: Rabina BK, Kritisha Tamang, Aashika Karki, Sahara Limbu, Babtika Karki, Bhumika Budathoki (C), Ayusha Reule, Srijana Baduwal

Forwards: Asmita Magar, Puja Giri, Yam Kumari BK, Anita Rana Magar

File photo

Head coach Nabin Neupane has announced the initial squad for Nepal’s upcoming international friendly against India. The match will be played on October 26 in Sikkim.

The fixture will mark Neupane’s first game in charge of the national team since his appointment as head coach, a role he will hold until the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026.

Goalkeepers: Anjila Tumbapo Subba, Anjana Rana Magar, Usha Nath, Sushila Chaudhary, Lila Joshi

Defenders: Nisha Thokar, Samikshya Ghimire, Man Maya Damai, Pratikshya Chaudhary, Bimala BK, Puja Rana, Amrita Jaishi, Sajani Thokar, Hira Kumari Bhujel, Neha Kumari Chaudhary

Midfielders: Bimala Chaudhary, Anita Basnet, Renuka Nagarkote, Preeti Rai, Saru Limbu, Sabita Rana Magar, Saraswati Hamal, Chandra Bhandari, Anita KC, Hima Raut, Dipa Shahi, Tulasa Bohara, Senu Pariyar, Sukriya Miya

Forwards: Rashmi Kumari Ghising, Rekha Poudel, Mina Deuba, Purnima Rai, Jenifer Magar, Sabitra Bhandari

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has appointed Nabin Neupane as the Head Coach of the national women’s football team. His appointment will run until the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026, one of the key regional tournaments for women’s football.

Neupane officially received his appointment letter from ANFA General Secretary Kiran Rai at a ceremony held at the ANFA Complex on Thursday.

Neupane brings significant experience to the role, having previously served as the Head Coach of the national U-23 youth team in his latest stint and also as the Head Coach of the national men’s team.

In addition to the head coach appointment, ANFA has confirmed the supporting coaching staff for the team. Bhagwati Thapa and Raj Kumar KC have been named Assistant Coaches, strengthening the technical side of the squad.

Meanwhile, Bindra Dewan, Shila Giri, and Bikash Gurung will continue in their respective roles as Team Manager, Physiotherapist, and Kit Manager.

The five teams that secured their spots in the upcoming ANFA Women’s League have been confirmed following the conclusion of the Qualifiers on Monday.

From Group A, Church Boys United and RS Resort and Beach Football advanced to the League, while Sankata FC and NRT booked their places from Group B, with all four teams finishing in the top two positions of their respective groups.

In addition, Jhapa Football Club sealed the final berth after defeating Rapti Football Club 1-0 in a playoff match between the third-placed teams from each group. With the win, Jhapa joined the other four sides to complete the lineup for the Women’s League.

Nepal faced a tough evening in the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship 2025 in Bhutan, going down 0-5 to a strong Indian side on Friday.

India struck early through Nira Chanu Longjam in the 5th minute, followed by a brace from Pearl Fernandes in the 15th and 43rd minutes. Despite Nepal’s efforts to respond, India maintained control and added two more late goals from Divyani Linda in the 79th and 90+2 minutes.

Nepal are already out of title contention and will play their final match of the tournament against hosts Bhutan. The team had earlier recorded a 2-1 victory over Bhutan in the first round.

Nepal suffered their second defeat in the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship, going down 3-0 to Bangladesh at the Changlimithang Stadium.

Bangladesh broke the deadlock in the 41st minute through Thuinuye Marma before Sauravi Akanda Prity doubled the lead just before halftime in the 45th minute. Reya sealed the victory with a late strike in stoppage time (90+2’), ensuring a comfortable win for Bangladesh.

This was Nepal’s second loss of the campaign, having previously gone down 7-0 to India in their opening match. They had bounced back with a 2-1 victory against Bhutan but were unable to replicate that form against Bangladesh. Nepal will face Bangladesh again on Wednesday in their next fixture.