Two-time runner-up Nepal kicked off its Third SAFF Women’s Championship campaign in imperious fashion with a resounding 8-0 win over Bhutan at the Jinnah Sports Stadium in Islamabad, Pakistan on Wednesday.
Sajana Rana, skipper Anu Lama and Dipa Adhikari scored a brace each, and Menuka Giri and Sabitra Bhandari were also on target in Nepal’s big win in the opener.
Players of the Nepali national women’s football team pose for a photo ahead of their opening match of the SAFF Women’s Championship against Bhutan in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Wednesday. (Photo Courtesy: Nsjf)
Nepal, which lost to India in the previous two finals, is aiming to clinch the title in its third attempt.
Nepal pressed forward with attacking intent right from the onset, creating numerous chances and keeping ball possession for the most part before taking the lead.
The barrage of attacks saw Nepal breaking the deadlock in the 10th minute through Sajana, who scored a superb free-kick from 35 yards.
Nepal again made the most of Bhutan’s slack defense in the 22nd minute when Menuka slotted home from close range to double the tally after intercepting a pass from the Bhutan defense.
The next three goals came in quick succession. Anu struck twice in a span of four minutes, while Sajana scored her second in the first-half injury time.
Anu opened her account in the 36th minute and added another a minute later, and Sajana netted again in the first minute of injury time to give Nepal a 5-0 lead before the break.
Earlier, Anu’s attempt from the edge of the box in the 28th minute whisked past the post.
The second half was no different. Nepal showed no mercy as it pressed forward looking to extending its lead further. Bhutan kept Nepal at bay for the first 15 minutes of the second half before Dipa scored her first goal in the 60th minute to make it 6-0. She completed her brace with Nepal’s seventh goal in the 84th minute.
Substitute Sabitra Bhandari scored Nepal’s eighth goal two minutes from time to complete the rout.
Nepal will take on Pakistan in its second fixture on Friday.
