Subas Humagain, Kathmandu
Bhutan held Nepal to a goalless draw in the Group B match of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 at Dasharath Stadium. This is the first time Nepal has ever tied a match in SAFF Championship history.
In a chilly evening at the center of capital city, Nepal controlled the game but could not find the back of the net. Bhutan’s goalkeeper, Sangita Monger, and their defense successfully blocked Nepal’s attempts throughout the match, especially in the second half after Nepal made attacking changes at the break.
In their fifth SAFF meeting, this is the first time Nepal failed to score against Bhutan. It is also Nepal’s first group-stage match in SAFF where they didn’t score a goal, after scoring in every previous group stage match.
Nepal had several chances but couldn’t capitalize. In the 13th minute, Bhutan’s goalkeeper Sangita saved a close-range shot by Rashmi Kumari Ghising. In the 25th minute, Saru Limbu missed another opportunity after receiving a pass from Preeti Rai.
In the 40th minute, Nepal had three consecutive chances inside Bhutan’s penalty area, but Bhutan’s defense blocked every shot.
During injury time in the first half, Hirakumari Bhujel was injured and had to be taken out, replaced by Bimala BK.
In the second half, Nepal coach Rajendra Tamang brought in Dipa Shahi and Rekha Poudel to boost the attack, but Nepal still couldn’t score. Bhutan’s defender Jamyang Choden cleared the ball off the goal line in the 52nd minute, and custodian Sangita made another crucial save in the 84th minute.
In injury time, Sabita Rana Magar’s shot hit the post, and Nepal had to settle for a draw.
Earlier today, Sri Lanka beat Maldives 1-0, placing them at the top of Group B with 3 points, while Nepal and Bhutan are tied with 1 point each, and Maldives is at the bottom with no points.
No matches will be played on Saturday. Bangladesh will face Pakistan on Sunday at 5:30 PM.
