News MATCHDAY: Nepal vs India, SAFF Women’s Championship Semifinal
GoalNepal

Nepal will take on India in the second semifinal of the SAFF Women’s Championship today. The match will kick off at the Dasharath stadium at 5:30 PM.

Nepal and India were the finalists of the last edition of the tournament. In fact, Nepal and India have faced each other in the final in four of five previous editions. One other meeting came in the semifinals in 2016. Every time these teams have met each other, India have prevailed. The previous edition was held in Nepal, where Nepal had to succumb to India in the final at Sahid Maidan in Biratnagar in front of roaring home fans.

Today, Nepal will seek revenge for the loss in Biratnagar and every previous loss in the tournament history. More than that, Nepal will look to etch closer to making history and lift the trophy in front of the home fans.

Nepal are yet to concede a goal in the tournament. In the group stage, Nepal defeated Bhutan and Sri Lanka 4-0 and 6-0, respectively. India were having a smooth sail, having beaten Pakistan and Maldives convincingly until they faced an improved Bangladesh side who humbled them 3-0. India looked helpless on the night. But they will be looking to bounce back and go closer to continuing their domination in the tournament with yet another title win.

Nepal’s prolific striker Sabitra Bhandari is still doubtful for this match. She missed the final group match against Sri Lanka due to dengue infection. According to sources, her health is improving, but her inclusion in today’s match is still undecided.

If Nepal manage to defeat India, the tournament will crown new winners. So, everything will be at stake when the two sides meet today. For Nepal, it’ll be revenge; for India, it’ll be the continuation of their dominance.

Squad:

Nepal: Anjila Tumbapo Subba, Anjana Rana Magar, Usha Nath, Hira Kumari Bhujel, Amrita Jaishi, Gita Rana, Punam Jargha Magar, Nisha Thokar, Samikshya Ghimire, Bimala BK, Bimala Chaudhary, Manjali Kumari Yonjan, Preeti Rai, Saru Limbu, Dipa Rai, Dipa Shahi, Indira Rai, Anita Basnet, Anita KC, Amisha Karki, Rekha Poudel, Sabitra Bhandari, Rashmi Kumari Ghising.

 Bangladesh and Bhutan are set to face each other in the first semifinal at 1 PM today.

 

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