News

2024-03-01

SAFF U-16 Women's Championship Kicks Off at ANFA Complex

The SAFF U-16 Women's Championship commenced at ANFA Complex on Friday.

Member Secretary of National Sports Council Tanka Lal Ghising inaugurated the event in presence of ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang and General Secretary Kiran Rai.

In the inaugural match, India dominated the field, securing a convincing 7-0 victory over Bhutan. Shveta Rani, Pearl Fernandes, and Anushka Kumari each netted braces, while Anwita Raghuraman added one more goal to India's tally, sealing a comprehensive win.

Nepal is set to kick off their campaign against Bangladesh on Sunday.

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2024-03-01

33 players called up for World Cup Qualifiers preliminary squad

Thirty-three players have been called up for the preliminary squad for the upcoming second round matches of World Cup Qualifiers against Bahrain.

Nepal will play against Bahrain on March 21 and March 27.

Head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese named his squad for the two matches on Thursday.

The team will begin the closed camp from Monday (March 4).

Goalkeepers: Abhishek Baral, Bishal Sunar, Deep Karki, Kiran Chemjong

Defenders: Ajay Chaudhary, Ananta Tamang, Anjal Maharjan, Bimal Panday, Bishal Basnet, Chhiring Lama, Dipendra BK, Rohit Chand, Sanish Shrestha, Sumit Shrestha, Yogesh Gurung

Midfielders: Arik Bista, Bishal Tamang, Kritish Ratna Chhunju, Laken Limbu, Mani Kumar Lama, Manish Dangi, Rohan Karki, Santosh Khatri, Suraj Jeu Thakuri, Utsab Rai

Forwards: Anjan Bista, Ayush Ghalan, Dinesh Henjan, Gillespye Jung Karki, Hisub Thapaliya, Rajesh Pariyar, Sameer Tamang, Sanjeeb Bista

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2024-03-01

Nepal finish as runner-up in WAFF Women's Championship

Nepal finished as runners-up in the WAFF Women's Championship as the team lost 5-3 on penalties against Jordan in an enthralling final at Jeddah on Thursday.

The title was decided on penalties after the regular 90 minutes ended in 2-2 draw. Gita Rana, Dipa Shahi and Hira Kumari Bhujel converted their penalties while Amrita Jaishi's shot was saved by Jordan's goalkeeper Sherin AlShalabe.

Nepal, playing without their talisman Sabitra Bhandari who joined her club in France, took the lead through Sabita Rana Magar, who had replaced Bhandari in the lineup, in the 29th minute. Nepal's defense held firm to fend off Jordan's attack but was eventually breached in the 73rd minute when Lana Feras levelled the score.

Jordan then stunned the hundreds of Nepali fans present in the stadium taking the lead through Sarah Abu Sabbah in the 89th minute and had thought they had secured the comeback win but the entertaining and thrilling matches still had plenty to offer which would take the match to penalties.

Nepal won the penalty in the second minute of added time and Gita Rana stepped up to calmly slot the ball home and level the score at 2-2.

But following Jaisi's saved penalty and Rouzbahan Fraij decisive penalty, the national women's team wait for their first trophy was prolonged further.

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2024-02-27

Preeti Rai sends Nepal to WAFF Women's Championship finals with dramatic victory

Preeti Rai's last-gasp strike secured Nepal's remarkable comeback victory against Lebanon and set up the final against Jordan in the WAFF Women's Championship in Saudi Arabia.

In a thrilling semi-final clash, Nepal found themselves trailing after an unfortunate own goal from Puja Rana in the 38th minute. Trailing at the break, Nepal began pressing on early in the second half. Their persistence paid off when Sabitra Bhandari capitalized on Rashmi Kumari Ghising's pass in the 76th minute to level the score with her ninth goal of the competition.

As the clock ticked down and the prospect of extra time loomed large, Preeti Rai emerged as the hero clinching the winning goal in the fifth and final minute of added time. Rai's decisive strike sealed Nepal's berth in the finals in dramatic fashion, sparking scenes of celebration among hundreds of Nepali fans at the stadium.

Nepal will now face Jordan in the title-decider on Thursday. Jordan secured their spot with a commanding 5-0 victory over Palestine in the other semi-final match.

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