Nepal delivered an emphatic performance to dismantle Sri Lanka 8-0 in their group stage match of AFC Asian cup qualifiers at Bunyodkor stadium, Tashkent.
A first-half hat-trick from Sabitra Bhandari set the tone, followed by clinical finishes from Gita Rana, Nisha Thokar, and Rekha Paudel, as Nepal dominated from start to finish.
Nepal Start with Key Changes
Coach Pattrick Wilde made strategic adjustments to the starting eleven, handing Preeti Rai a spot in midfield while keeping Rashmi Ghising and Sabitra Bhandari leading the attack. Sri Lanka opted for a defensive 5-4-1 setup, aiming to frustrate Nepal’s offense, but the plan quickly faltered.
First Half: Nepal’s Early Breakthroughs
Nepal’s attacking intent was clear from the outset. Just 7 minutes in, Anita Basnet curled a pinpoint corner that was met by Gita Rana’s powerful header, giving Nepal a deserved early lead. Sri Lanka struggled to cope with the relentless pressure as Nepal continued to dominate possession.
At the 11th minute, Gita Rana was fouled, earning Nepal a free kick. Anita Basnet’s delivery from set pieces was a constant threat, keeping the Sri Lankan defense on the back foot.
In the 20th minute, a slick combination inside the box saw Sabitra Bhandari latch onto a precise pass from Anita Basnet and confidently finish to double Nepal’s advantage.
Despite Sri Lanka’s attempts to block Nepal’s attacking moves, Renuka Nagarkoti came close at the 25th minute, meeting another Basnet corner but was denied by the goalkeeper.
Preeti Rai showcased her shooting range with two long-distance efforts at 26 and 30 minutes, both well saved by the Sri Lankan goalie.
Nepal continued their dominance just before the drinks break when Sabita Rana Magar’s cross rattled the woodwork in the 31st minute.
A potential third goal for Sabitra Bhandari from a free kick in the 36th minute was ruled out for a foul. However, Sabitra was undeterred and struck twice before halftime—first at 42 minutes with a delicate chip over the keeper after a Rashmi Ghising assist, then completing her hat-trick in the 44th minute with a clinical finish from a cross by Sabita Rana Magar.
Half-time Score: Nepal 4 – 0 Sri Lanka
Second Half: Nepal Extend Their Lead
The second half began with Nepal maintaining control. In the 54th minute, a penalty was awarded after Rashmi Ghising was fouled inside the box. Gita Rana stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick to extend Nepal’s lead to 5-0.
At 62 minutes, Nepal added a sixth goal when Nisha Thokar headed in from another perfectly delivered corner by Anita Basnet.
Coach Pattrick made three substitutions at the 65th minute: Anita KC, Puja Rana, and Bimala BK came on for Rashmi Ghising, Anita Basnet, and Nisha Thokar, injecting fresh energy into the squad.
Sabitra Bhandari nearly added to her tally with a free kick at 67 minutes, but the shot hit the post, much to the relief of the Sri Lankan team.
Nepal continued to rotate players, bringing on Rekha Paudel and Chandra Bhandari for Renuka Nagarkoti and Sabitra Rana Magar respectively at the 70th minute.
The scoring spree continued in the 78th minute when Rekha Paudel found the net, assisted by Puja Rana’s precise cross. Paudel celebrated by proudly removing her shin pad, marking her goal with style.
Nepal cruised to a comprehensive 8-0 victory, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity throughout.
What’s Next?
With this dominant win, Nepal set their sights on their crucial final group stage match against Uzbekistan on July 5, where a victory will secure their progression to the tournament in Australia.
