Nepal’s national women’s football team fell short of their first international trophy, losing to Bangladesh 2-1 in the final of the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Wednesday.
This was Nepal’s 12th major final since their first international match in 1986—and sixth SAFF final—but they have yet to lift a trophy. The game came alive eight minutes into the second half when Monika Chakma scored, capitalizing on a defensive error by Nepal, thanks to assists from captain Sabina Khatun and Tohura Khatun.
Nepal fought back quickly, with Amisha Karki equalizing just four minutes later after being set up by Preeti Rai.
Bangladesh almost took the lead again in the 68th minute, but Nepal’s captain and goalkeeper, Anjila Tumbapo Subba, made a spectacular save against Maria Manda’s long-range shot.
Nepal’s coach, Rajendra Tamang, brought on Anita Basnet in the 76th minute to energize the team, but it didn’t have the desired effect. Bangladesh struck again in the 81st minute when Ritu Porna Chakma beat Basnet on the left side and fired a powerful shot from outside the box, just out of Subba’s reach.
Despite their efforts to find another equalizer, Nepal couldn’t break through Bangladesh’s defense. After the match, Coach Tamang announced his resignation, citing the team’s inability to clinch the championship under his leadership.
“For Nepal, the 4-2 penalty win over India in the semi-final brought hope, but Bangladesh’s victory has cemented their status as the region’s top team. Bangladeshi fans celebrated their country’s second consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship title after breaking India’s previous winning streak two years ago.
Nepal’s top scorer, Sabitra Bhandari, who has 55 international goals, apologized to fans after the game. “We couldn’t win this time, but we’ll keep trying for the title,” she said.
A crowd of over 15,000 fans filled the stadium, their hopes high, especially after Nepal’s thrilling semi-final victory over India. But Bangladesh’s solid defense and quick offense silenced the stadium. Nepal, missing key player Rekha Paudel due to a red-card suspension from the India match, felt her absence as the game progressed. Bangladesh’s defense held strong, particularly against Bhandari, who was closely marked throughout the match.