Kathmandu, July 7 – The Nepali national women's football team returned home on Monday following their participation in the AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers.

The team was warmly welcomed at Tribhuvan International Airport by All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) General Secretary Kiran Rai, ANFA Spokesperson Suresh Sah, and other ANFA officials.

Despite the reception, head coach Patrick de Wilde was notably absent, as he did not accompany the team back to Nepal. According to ANFA sources, Wilde returned to his home country Belgium directly after the conclusion of the qualifiers.

Nepal's campaign in the qualifiers ended in heartbreak after they lost to Uzbekistan in a decisive match that was settled through a penalty shootout. The defeat meant Nepal was unable to secure a spot in the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

While the result was disappointing, the team earned praise for their fighting spirit and performances throughout the qualifiers.