n the ongoing SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 on home soil, Nepal will compete against the Maldives today in their second match. The game will take place at 5:30 PM at Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwor.
Earlier, in their first Group B match, Nepal was held to a goalless draw against Bhutan.
Nepal, missing their star forward and goal machine Sabitra Bhandari “Samba,” who plays in France, failed to score against Bhutan due to poor finishing.
Additionally, two players getting injured in that match was unfortunate for Nepal. Defender Hira Bhujel and midfielder Dipa Shahi, who left the field injured, have ACL injuries and will miss the remaining matches of the SAFF Championship.
Hira had started the match against Bhutan, while Dipa came on as a substitute in the second half.
However, there is good news for Nepal. Forward Sabitra Bhandari arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday night from France and has joined the team. There is a possibility that she will play against the Maldives today.
During Sunday’s training, head coach Rajendra Tamang mentioned that if Sabitra feels ready, she could start in the first eleven, but if she needs rest, she can be given a break. Sabitra’s arrival has boosted the morale of the Nepali team and its supporters.
Recognized as one of South Asia’s best strikers, Sabitra has already set a record as the first Nepali player to play in a European league. She has scored 53 goals in 46 matches for Nepal.
Sabitra, who plays for the top-tier French club EA Guingamp, scored a goal in their 3-2 win against Strasbourg on Saturday.
With Sabitra’s return and two players sidelined due to injuries, changes in Nepal’s starting lineup for the match against the Maldives are certain.
Nepal needs a win against the Maldives. Nepal has 1 point in Group B, while the Maldives is yet to earn a point. The Maldives lost their first match 1-0 against Sri Lanka. Earlier today, Sri Lanka and Bhutan will face each other at 1:30 PM.
