Kathmandu, February 21
Nepal and Myanmar have secured their spots in the final of the ongoing international women’s football tournament with a game to spare.
Nepal confirmed their place in the final after defeating Lebanon 1-0 in their second match at the Dasharath Stadium on Thursday evening. With this victory, both Nepal and Myanmar have accumulated six points from two consecutive wins in the four-nation tournament. Myanmar leads the standings on goal difference. Earlier on Thursday, Myanmar thrashed Kyrgyzstan 5-0.
Following back-to-back defeats, Lebanon and Kyrgyzstan have been eliminated from the title race.
Nepal’s victory was sealed by a lone first-half goal. In the 42nd minute, Sabitra Bhandari’s strike deflected off Lebanese player Farah and found the net. Both teams created multiple scoring opportunities but failed to capitalise.
Lebanon’s Kristy Malouf attempted a shot in the 10th minute, but Nepal’s goalkeeper Anjila saved it. In the 11th minute, Bimala’s shot sailed over the bar. Laila Iskandar missed a clear chance in the 13th minute despite beating the goalkeeper twice. Similarly, Preeti Rai’s 15th-minute attempt went just over the crossbar.
In the 17th minute, Rekha Poudel missed a header from a cross by Sabita Rana Magar. Samba’s shot in the 23rd minute went wide, while in the 26th minute, Bimala Chaudhary’s weak header was followed by Rekha missing an open chance. Moments later, Samba failed to direct her shot on target.
Lebanon squandered another opportunity in the 31st minute when Laila Iskandar failed to capitalise on a brilliant through pass. In the 37th minute, Kristy Malouf’s shot hit the side netting.
In the second half, Sabitra’s attempt off Samba’s pass in the 59th minute went over the bar. She missed another chance in the 86th minute, failing to find the target.
Lebanon nearly equalised in injury time when Jalwa Arabi’s strike hit the crossbar and bounced back into play.
With both finalists already decided, the last two league-stage matches will now be a formality. On Sunday, Nepal will take on Myanmar, while Lebanon will face Kyrgyzstan. The final between Nepal and Myanmar is scheduled for Wednesday.
