KATHMANDU, June 1: Nepal booked a place in the semifinals of the SAFF Women’s Championship with a composed 2–0 victory over Sri Lanka in their final Group A match in Goa on Sunday.
Resting regular captain and goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba, Nepal still secured top spot in the three-team group and will now face Group B’s runners-up, Bangladesh, in the semifinal on June 3. India topped Group B after a 2–0 win over Bangladesh, while the defending champions settled for second place.
With both Nepal and Sri Lanka needing a win to progress, Nepal rose to the occasion at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in front of 761 spectators.
Bangladesh leads 2-1 in SAFF Women's Championship final
Rashmi Kumari Ghising and Renuka Nagarkoti scored a goal each as Nepal controlled the game across both halves. Coach Nabin Neupane handed the captain’s armband to Renuka, who marked the responsibility with a goal and a strong leadership display.
Neupane made four changes from the previous match against Bhutan, resting Anjila Subba, Puja Rana, Anita Basnet, and Anita Lamjel. Anjana Rana Magar, Mina Deuba, Saru Limbu, and Pratikshya Chaudary came into the starting XI.
Sri Lanka frustrated Nepal for much of the first half before Rashmi broke the deadlock in stoppage time, giving Nepal a 1–0 lead at the break.
Renuka then sealed the win in the 60th minute with a stunning 22-yard chip—her first international goal in her 62nd appearance—capping a memorable all-round performance.
Coach Neupane praised the team’s improvement, saying they created more chances and showed better coordination in the second half.
“We played better than in the first match. It was positive that our strikers scored. Now our focus shifts to the semi-final. There is no option but to win if we want to lift the title,” he said.
He also confirmed that forward Preeti Rai is expected to return for the semifinal.
