Nepal’s women football team is determined to win the International Women’s Football Championship starting on February 17 at Dashrath Rangashala. They are motivated to capitalize on home advantage following a recent narrow loss in another championship. The tournament’s round-robin format includes matches against Myanmar, Lebanon, and Kyrgyzstan, with crucial preparation for future international competitions.
The Nepali national women’s football team aims to redeem themselves at home as the International Women’s Football Championship kicks off on February 17 at Dashrath Rangashala, Kathmandu. Following a disappointing SAFF Women’s Championship, they are determined not to miss another opportunity to secure a title on home soil. After narrowly losing to Bangladesh in the final match last October, the team is now eager to compete against Myanmar, Lebanon, and Kyrgyzstan in this tournament.
The tournament features a round-robin format where each team competes against all others, with the top two teams advancing to the final. Nepal will face Kyrgyzstan at 6:00 PM NST in their opening match, following the early fixture between Myanmar and Lebanon at 2:00 PM. The teams expressed enthusiasm for the matches during a pre-tournament press conference, highlighting their desire to win the championship trophy.
Nepal’s coach, Rajendra Tamang, emphasized the team’s readiness and the recent arrivals of key players, including Captain Anjila from Greece and Rekha Poudel from Dubai. Tamang acknowledged Kyrgyzstan’s improvements since their last encounter in 2019 and noted the challenges posed by Myanmar and Lebanon. He stated, “We will use our home advantage and the support of our fans. We aim to play excellently in all the matches and keep the trophy at home.”
Captain Anjila Tumbapo Subba expressed excitement for the tournament, viewing it as a significant opportunity for women’s football. She remarked, “We have developed good teamwork, and now it’s time to prove ourselves on the field instead of just talking.” Subba underscored the players’ high morale and determination to correct previous defensive mistakes.
The other competing teams also expressed their determination to perform well. Kyrgyzstan’s coach, Nematzhan Zakirov, noted that they are focused on giving a strong fight for the title despite limited competitive experience. Lebanon’s coach, Wael Gharzeddine, acknowledged Nepal’s strength as an opponent while highlighting his team’s improvements since their last meeting. Myanmar’s head coach, Tetsuro Uki, emphasized their respect for Nepal, referring to their physical strength in the gameplay.
This tournament, organized by the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), runs until February 26, serving as essential preparation for Nepal ahead of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers. Nepal’s subsequent matches are against Lebanon on February 20 and Myanmar on February 23, providing crucial encounters for the team on the path to securing an esteemed title at home.
The Nepali women’s football team is set to compete in the International Women’s Football Championship on home turf, seeking redemption after past disappointments. With a robust preparation plan and key players in attendance, they aim to leverage their home advantage against tough opponents like Myanmar and Lebanon. The tournament serves both as a platform for showcasing talent and as preparation for future qualifiers, making it a critical milestone for Nepali women’s football.
Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com
