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Nepal Stuns India 2-1: Sabitra Bhandari's Brace Seals Women's Football Victory

Nepal secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over India in the Women's Tri-Nation International Friendlies. Star striker Sabitra Bhandari was the difference-maker with two crucial goals that put Nepal in control. India fought back late with Karishma Shirvoikar scoring her first senior international goal. Despite intense pressure in the final minutes, Nepal held on to claim the important win in Shillong.

Key Points: Nepal Defeats India Women's Football Team in Tri-Nation Friendly

  • Sabitra Bhandari scored early second-minute goal with clever chip over goalkeeper
  • Nepal doubled lead through Bhandari's stunning 63rd-minute free kick
  • Karishma Shirvoikar scored first senior international goal in 81st minute
  • India dominated possession but couldn't overcome Nepal's counter-attacking threat
3 min read

Nepal ride Sabitra Bhandari's brace to beat Blue Tigresses

Sabitra Bhandari scores twice as Nepal edges India 2-1 in Women's Tri-Nation International Friendlies, despite late consolation from Karishma Shirvoikar.

"Sabitra showed her quality once again when she stepped up to take a free-kick from close range - Match Report"

Shillong, October 27

The Indian senior women's team suffered a 1-2 defeat against Nepal in their second match of the Women's Tri-Nation International Friendlies at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, on Monday.

A brace from Nepal striker Sabitra Bhandari (2', 63') put the visitors on the front foot, before Karishma Shirvoikar (81') pulled one back late in the second half, scoring her first-ever goal for the senior national team, as per the AIFF website.

Nepal got an early start to the game when Sabitra was set through on goal in the second minute itself, as she chased a bouncing ball before dinking it over India goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu to hand her side the early advantage.

One goal down, India began their search for a way back into the game, with Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi pulling the strings from midfield. Her powerful shot from outside the box in the quarter-hour mark was tipped over the bar by Anjana Rana Magar. Minutes later, the India midfielder's low free-kick at goal was also saved.

India's best chance of the first half came in the 32nd minute, when Grace Dangmei surged up the right and sent in a low centre towards Lynda Kom Serto. While the latter was unable to reach the cross, the clearance fell to Sangita Basfore, who blasted it over.

While the Blue Tigresses attacked, their back line had to remain vigilant of the threats Nepal posed on the counter. Hemam Shilky Devi produced a gritty sliding tackle to block Sabitra's effort in the 35th minute.

Moments before the half-time whistle, Panthoi bravely stepped out of her line to produce a save after Sabitra was again played in behind the Indian defence.

India kept looking for the goal in the second half, but it was Nepal who managed to double their lead. Sabitra showed her quality once again when she stepped up to take a free-kick from close range in the 63rd minute, and produced a shot that curled and dipped into the top corner, just out of Panthoi's reach.

Despite the second goal, India, playing a relatively younger side, kept looking for the goal. Forward Pyari Xaxa was played through on the right by Nirmala, but Anjana rushed out of her line to collect the ball.

India finally found the net in the 81st minute, when a free-kick hooved long upfield by Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi bounced over the Nepal back line and landed kindly for substitute Karishma Shirvoikar to sneak it past the goalkeeper.

The Blue Tigresses applied the pressure in the closing stages, but Nepal held on to their two-goal lead to seal the result.

India: Elangbam Panthoi Chanu (GK), Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi (Kiran Pisda 84'), Hemam Shilky Devi, Sangita Basfore (C) (Lisham Babina Devi 84'), Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi, Grace Dangmei (Julan Nongmaithem 84'), Mousumi Murmu (Karishma Shirvoikar 59'), Sorokhaibam Ranjana Chanu, Martina Thokchom, Rimpa Haldar (Pyari Xaxa 21'), Lynda Kom Serto.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Sabitra Bhandari was just too good today. Her free-kick goal was world class! Sometimes you just have to appreciate quality opposition. Our defense needs to work on dealing with through balls though.
A
Arjun K
Conceding in the 2nd minute itself set the tone for the match. The team showed good fighting spirit in the second half but the early goal really hurt us. Need better concentration from the start!
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows women's football closely, I think we're missing experienced players. The younger squad is good for development but we need the right balance. Still, proud of the effort! 💪
K
Kavya N
Ratanbala Devi was creating chances throughout the match. If only we had converted a couple of those opportunities in the first half, the result could have been different. On to the next match!
M
Michael C
The positive takeaway is that we didn't give up even after going 2-0 down. Karishma's goal and the late pressure shows the team has character. These friendlies are for learning - let's trust the process.

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