The Nepali women's national football team is poised to make history as it prepares to face Myanmar in the Four Nations Cup final at Dasharath Stadium. Despite playing 12 international finals previously, Nepal never tasted victory at any stage. Even on this occasion, with the benefit of their home pitch and determination to win, the side is keen to break the jinx for the first time to lift their first-ever international title.
Nepal has been a competitive performer in women's football, often reaching the last stages of international competitions. Their failure to turn these chances into victory, however, has earned them the tag of perennial runners-up. They have already lost six SAFF Championship final games, three finals of the South Asian Games, and one final each of the Hero Gold Cup, Nadezhda Cup, and WAFF Championship. Their latest bid at snatching a title went for naught in a game against Bangladesh at the 2022 SAFF Women's Championship.
Despite all this, Nepal's run to the final of the Four Nations Cup has been heartening. The side remained unbeaten in the league phase, beating Lebanon 1-0 and repeating the same result against Kyrgyzstan. The group game against Myanmar was a thrilling 2-2 draw, which laid the platform for a fascinating stage for a crunch replay in the final.
Even Nepal national team coach Rajendra Tamang has emphasized the team's winning mentality, saying, "We have come close to winning many times but fell short. Now we have one more chance on home soil, and we cannot let this one go as well."
Likewise, captain and goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba will take her side to victory. "We have been in many finals but were not able to cross the final hurdle. We won't leave any stone unturned this time to give Nepal its first title. The entire team is backing us in our resolve," she announced at the press meet.
The defensive lapses have been Nepal's biggest issue, and that came into the open in their previous match against Myanmar. Defender Geeta Rana, who has performed well against lesser opponents, was caught short against Myanmar's offense. Nepal will have to shore up their defense without losing their attacking momentum.
Leading the attack is Nepal's pace-setter Sabitra Bhandari 'Samba.'. She was one of the major targets in the last match against Myanmar and can cut through tough defense lines. Accompanying her will be players such as Saru Limbu and Rashmi Kumari Ghising, who will help in Nepal's attack rhythm.
There have also been some strategic changes proposed by Coach Tamang, such as the re-inclusion of experienced players like goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba, midfielder Bimala Chaudhary, and defender Rekha Poudel, all of whom were kept on the bench in the last match against Myanmar.
Unlike Nepal, Myanmar has taken a strategic attitude towards the tournament, focusing more on the evaluation of their squad than on winning at all costs. Japanese coach Tetsuro Uki, head coach of the team, has utilized his squad rotation fully, and nearly all 22 players have received game time. Talking about Nepal, he acknowledged their progress, noting, "Nepal has a good team, and their players have played at a high level. This competition is a great learning experience for us as well."
Though Myanmar is not in a rush to claim the tournament, they are a strong contender as well. Myanmar, 48 places above Nepal in FIFA ranking, has always been better than Nepal, winning three of their five previous encounters. They beat Nepal 3-1 in the final when they last met at the Hero Gold Cup in 2019.
Apart from the trophy, the Four Nations Cup has been a success for Nepali women's football already. The tournament has been pulling in huge crowds, a testament to the increasing popularity of women's sports in Nepal. Playing against quality international opposition has also identified areas of improvement and made a strong case for more investment in women's football.
For Nepal, this final is not about a second chance at a title—it's an opportunity to redeem their image and prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with in South Asian women's football. Though history and statistics favor Myanmar, Nepal's never-say-die spirit, home advantage, and tactical brilliance can at last turn the pendulum in its favor.
When the teams step onto the field at 6 PM, all eyes will be on Nepal—will this be the decisive game where they will finally convert silver into gold?