Nepal’s thrilling journey in the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) Women’s Championship came to a heart-wrenching end as they narrowly lost to Jordan in a penalty shootout in the final match. Despite a valiant effort, Nepal succumbed to Jordan’s relentless pressure, ending as the runners-up in their debut appearance in the championship.
The match, which commenced at 9:45 pm NST on Thursday at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, witnessed an intense battle between the two sides. Nepal showed early promise, taking the lead with a stunning volley from Sabita Ranamagar in the 29th minute of the first half.
However, Jordan fought back fiercely, with Lana Feras and Sarah Abu Sabbah scoring crucial goals in the 74th and 89th minutes, respectively, to turn the tide in their favor. Yet, Nepal refused to surrender, as Gita Rana’s late penalty goal in injury time leveled the score, forcing the match into a dramatic penalty shootout.
Nepal’s Debut Run Ends in Dramatic Penalty Shootout Against Jordan (3-5)
In the tense shootout, Jordan displayed remarkable composure, converting all five of their penalties, while Nepal faltered, with Amrita Jaisi unable to find the net. Rouzbahan Fraij sealed the victory for Jordan, securing their sixth title in the WAFF Women’s Championship.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Nepal’s impressive performance throughout the tournament, including a notable victory over Lebanon in the semi-finals, shows their growing prowess in women’s football. Led by Captain Angela Tumbapo Subba, Nepal’s journey has undoubtedly inspired fans and raised hopes for a brighter future in the sport.
As the curtain falls on the championship, Nepal can take pride in their remarkable journey, marking their presence on the regional football stage and laying the foundation for future success. Though the final result may not have been in their favor, Nepal’s resilience and determination have undoubtedly left a lasting impression, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.