Nepal is taking on defending championship Bangladesh in the 12th final match of the SAFF Women's Championship in its home ground today. The match is schedule to kick off at Dasharath Stadium at 6:30 pm.
Nepal entered the final of the SAFF championship by defeating five-time champion India by 4-2 in the tie-breaker last Sunday. Similarly, Bangladesh inched closer to the title for the second time by registering a 7-1 win over Bhutan.
In the SAFF final match of the previous edition, Nepal lost to Bangladesh 3-1 to become the runner-up for the fifth time. On the other hand Bangladesh, which reached the final for the second time, had become the champion for the first time in 2022.
Nepal's consistent performance in the SAFF Championship has been impressive, but their inability to clinch the title has been a recurring theme. While Nepal is contesting for the SAFF title for the sixth time, it had to satisfy as the runner-up for the fifth time since 2010. It had finished as the runner up in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2019 and 2022.
"If we don't win now, it could take another five to ten years to build such a strong team," said Nepal captain Anjila Tumbapo, emphasizing the importance of winning this match. Given the strong team spirit and camaraderie, Nepal is likely to win the SAFF title, she said.
Similarly, Nepal's two players, forward Hira Kumari Bhujel and Midfielder Dipa Shahi are not playing in the championship today due to injuries. They are currently undergoing treatment. They had sustained injuries in the group stage match against Bhutan.
Another striker Rekha Paudel has lost the final match after she was given a red card in the semi-final. Nepal's team strength has slightly diminished after losing three players.
Making the best use of available players, Nepal will put up a tough fight against Bangladesh for the title, chief coach of Nepal team Rajendra Tamang said.
All eyes on key Nepal's striker Samba
While Nepal is taking on Bangladesh in the SAFF Women's Championship final today, all eyes will be on key striker of Nepali team, Sabitra Bhandari, 'Samba'.
Samba proved her showmanship with her aggressive performance in the semi-final match against India last Sunday. In a nail-biting match, Samba scored an equalizer for already reduced to 10-player Nepali team, taking the match to a tie. In the tie-breaker, Nepal triumphed over India 4-2.
Samba is receiving good support from Sabita Rana Magar and Preeti Rai. While Renuka Nagarkote and Saru Limbu are good midfielders, Gita Rana Magar and Amrita Jaisi are reliable defenders for Nepal team. Hira and Deepa will, of course, be missed in the final battle against Bangladesh.
With the home crowd behind them, Nepal team is determined to make history by winning their first-ever SAFF title against Bangladesh.
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