News

2024-02-22

Sensational Samba propels Nepal into WAFF semifinals with five-star performance

Sabitra Bhandari Samba's remarkable display of goalscoring prowess propelled Nepal into the semifinals of the WAFF Women's Championship as she scored five goals in a stunning victory over Iraq on Thursday.

Bhandari's dominance was on full display as she netted four goals in the first half alone, setting the tone for Nepal's commanding performance at Hall Stadium in Jeddah. Her first goal came with a darting run in the 15th minute, followed swiftly by her second in the 16th minute after capitalizing on a defensive error. She completed her hat-trick in the 37th minute, heading in a cross from Puja Rana. Just before half-time, Bhandari secured her fourth goal with a rebound effort after her initial shot was saved by Iraq's goalkeeper Zahra Al-Sadei.

Despite Iraq's improved defensive efforts in the second half, Bhandari remained relentless, adding her fifth goal in the 80th minute from a cross by Preeti Rai. This historic goal marked Bhandari's 50th goal for the national side, solidifying her position as the highest goal scorer in Nepalese football history.

Nepal's victory, coupled with Bhandari's exceptional performance, propelled them to the top of the points table with an emphatic win.

(Photos via WAFF)

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2024-02-19

ANFA Ex-Co meeting concludes

The seventh executive committee meeting of All Nepal Football Association has concluded on Monday.

The meeting chaired by ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang endorsed the estimated budget of Rs 46,42,460 for the upcoming ANFA Congress on February 26. The meeting endorsed the annual calendar for 2024 and decided to present it in the Congress for endorsement.

The decisions by the meeting in full.

 

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2024-02-20

Nepal start WAFF Women's Championship campaign with dominant 4-1 victory over Syria

Nepal kicked off their WAFF Women's Championship journey in style with a resounding 4-1 win over Syria in a Group B match at Hall Stadium in Jeddah.

Amisha Karki set the tone early for Nepal, opening the scoring in the 10th minute after seizing an opportunity from a failed clearance. Anita Basnet doubled the lead just three minutes later with a remarkable goal directly from a corner kick.

Adding the third was Sabitra Bhandari, making her debut for the national team following her signing with French side En Avant Guingamp, who found the back of the net six minutes later, capitalizing on a brilliant assist from Amisha Karki.

Despite Syria pulling one back with an own goal from Gita Rana in the 43rd minute, Nepal maintained their dominance, with Rekha Poudel sealing the victory with a well-taken goal in the 69th minute, courtesy of a cross from Sabitra Bhandari.

With this impressive victory under their belt, Nepal look to their second group match against Iraq on February 22 before concluding their group matches with a face-off against Palestine on February 24th.

Hosts Saudi Arabia, Guam, Lebanon, and Jordan are in the other group. The top two teams from each group will reach the semi-final of the competition.

(Photo via WAFF Youtube channel)

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2024-02-17

Squad named for SAFF U-16 Women's Championship

Nepal has named the squad for the upcoming SAFF U-16 Women's Championship in Chyasal Stadium from March 1-10.

Head coach Chakra Tamang named his squad for the regional youth competition on Saturday.

Alongside host Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Bhutan will take part in the competition.

The tournament will begin with India taking on Bhutan on March 1 followed by Nepal's match against Bangladesh on March 2. Nepal will play against Bhutan on March 4 before concluding their group match against India on March 7. All the matches will begin at 3 pm local time.

The top two teams after single round robin matches will play in the finals on March 10.

Final squad                                                                       

Goalkeepers: Jharna Dumrakoti, Sunita Sengtan, Laxmi Oli

Defenders: Dikshya Rayamajhi, Rejina Lama, Mina Chand, Kritisha Tmaang, Anshu BK, Min Maya Shestha, Alija BK, Gyanshu Dolma Lo

Midfielders: Bhumika Budathoki, Ashika Karki, Babtika Karki, Ayusha Reule, Diki Kumari Syangbo Tamang, Ayusha Gurung, Rabina BK, Sabina Tamang

Forwards: Puja Giri, Anita Rana Magar, Yam Kumar BK, Purnima Tharu

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