By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – Substitute goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar saved two penalty kicks, propelling Nepal to a victory over hosts Bangladesh in a friendly series held at Bir Sherestha Shaheed Shipahi Mostafa Kamal Stadium.
Following a goalless draw in the second friendly match in Dhaka, the contest proceeded to a tiebreaker to determine the series winner. Nepal emerged triumphant with a 4-2 victory in the shootout. Earlier, the first match had ended in a 1-1 draw.
Despite missing her own shootout opportunity, Anjana’s heroics in the tiebreaker were instrumental in securing the victory for Nepal as she saved Bangladesh’s two spot kicks. In the 90th minute, Head Coach Ananta Thapa made the strategic decision to substitute Anjana for Skipper Anjila Tumbapo Subba, which proved fruitful.
Sabitra Bhandari, Hira Bhujel, Dipa Shahi, and Anita KC all confidently converted their penalty kicks, leaving no room for error and solidifying Nepal’s well-deserved triumph.