Rekha Poudel made history as the first Nepali footballer, male or female, to play in the AFC Women’s Champions League. Representing UAE’s Abu Dhabi Country Club, she was part of the starting XI in their group-stage match against South Korea’s Hyundai Steel Red Angels, which ended in an exciting 2-2 draw.
Poudel had already made a significant impact in the preliminary round of the tournament, scoring two crucial goals, including the match-winner that secured Abu Dhabi Country Club’s spot in the group stage. This group-stage match further cemented her journey as her club remains undefeated with two games played. Poudel played the full 90 minutes, showing her stamina and dedication throughout the match.

With two games under their belt, Abu Dhabi Country Club is now on the verge of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2024/25. The teams advancing to the quarter-finals will be seeded based on their group-stage performance.
This achievement adds another milestone to Poudel’s growing international career. On August 5, 2023, she officially signed a professional contract with Abu Dhabi Country Club, the defending champions of the UAE Women’s Football League. This historic signing, facilitated by IBISA Consultancy Pvt Ltd, marked a proud moment for both Poudel and Nepali women’s football, setting the stage for her continued success on the international football scene.