Kathmandu: Nepal’s national women’s football team is set to compete against Bangladesh in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship on Wednesday. This marks the second consecutive year that Nepal has reached the finals, hoping to secure their first title.
Captain and goalkeeper, Anjila Tumbapo Subba, expressed the team’s determination to win the championship, emphasizing their readiness to challenge the previous titleholders, Bangladesh. Despite reaching the finals five times before without clinching the trophy, this year’s match at Dasarath Stadium offers Nepal a renewed opportunity.
In a pre-final press conference, Anjila reflected on past defeats but remained confident that her team would not miss this chance. She acknowledged Bangladesh as a strong opponent but assured that her team is well-prepared to rise to the challenge. She also noted the immense support from fans during the semifinals, which she believes will continue into the final.
Anjila stated that this current squad is strong and capable, mentioning that if they do not secure a win, it could take another 5 to 10 years to build a stronger team. Therefore, she stressed the importance of seizing this opportunity to become champions, especially after losing to Bangladesh in the previous edition of the tournament.
The final match will take place on Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM at the Dasarath Stadium, where Nepal aims to reverse last year’s 3-1 defeat against Bangladesh, which marked Bangladesh’s first championship win.
Head coach Rajendra Tamang echoed Anjila’s sentiments, noting improvements in the team’s defensive line and expressing confidence in their preparation to win the title. He highlighted the crucial support from home fans during their match against India and expects a similar atmosphere in the final.
Tamang cautioned that Bangladesh is a formidable team, requiring his players to avoid mistakes, and he believes they are prepared to counter Bangladesh’s European-style gameplay. He also addressed concerns about the absence of player Rekha Paudel, assuring that adequate preparations have been made for her replacement.
Bangladesh’s captain, Sabina Khatun, acknowledged the challenges both teams will face in the final and expressed hope that fans will enjoy the competitive spirit of the match. Coach Peter Butler emphasized the importance of strong mental resilience for a positive outcome in the final.
In light of safety concerns, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has prohibited certain items from being brought into the stadium during the final, including water bottles, weapons, lighters, and large bags, to ensure a secure environment for all attendees.