Nepal Women’s Football Team Prepares to Win SAFF Women’s Championship Despite Suspension Challenges

Despite the suspension of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) by the National Sports Council (Rakhap) and the looming threat of suspension by FIFA, Nepal’s women’s football team is rigorously preparing to clinch the SAFF Women’s Championship title. The team is gearing up for the eighth edition of the SAFF Women’s Championship to be held in Goa, India, from May 25 to June 5. Head coach Naveen Neupane emphasized that this championship holds the significance of a World Cup for Nepal, with winning the title as the primary objective. Although key players captain Sabitra Bhandari and Sabita Rana will be absent, both the coach and players have expressed confidence that new players will seize this opportunity. (Kathmandu, April 8)

The Nepal women’s team has been training for several days ahead of the SAFF Women’s Championship, set to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa. Despite the suspension imposed by Rakhap on ANFA and the resulting threat from FIFA, the squad remains committed to winning the championship. Out of the seven previous editions, Nepal has reached the finals six times but has yet to secure the title, often finishing as runner-up. This year, the team has set an ambitious goal to finally win the trophy. The competition will feature six teams from South Asia, excluding Pakistan, and the match schedule has already been announced.

Coach Neupane acknowledged that internal disputes within Nepal’s football administration might affect players’ mental focus. He called upon the government and relevant authorities to ensure a friendly and pure sporting environment, as the players are set to represent their country with the aim of winning the championship. The Nepal women’s team has long aspired to lift the trophy, having played numerous finals without success. For Neupane, the SAFF Women’s Championship is on par with the World Cup for Nepal, with the entire team’s focus geared toward winning the title.

“The SAFF Championship is a highly prestigious competition for Nepal, and I personally regard it as our World Cup,” Neupane said. “While we use friendly matches for experimentation and gaining experience, for the SAFF Championship, we will field our best and most competitive team. Our primary goal is to achieve a positive outcome.” He noted that the responsibilities of players and coaches differ but reiterated that as coach, he is fully committed to the goal of winning the championship. Nepal has not yet won the SAFF title, and as coach, he feels a strong duty to bring that trophy home. The team is currently training intensively with this goal in mind.

Senior team members Anita Basnet, Hira Bhujel, and Geeta Rana stated that the mix of senior and junior players in the squad strengthens this year’s championship ambitions. Anita commented, “Preparation has been good with a combination of experienced and young players. Our goal is clear—to win the title.” Both Geeta and Hira expressed confidence in Nepal’s potential to claim the SAFF trophy. They also highlighted the benefits gained from the team’s continuous participation in Gold Cup tournaments. Coach Neupane clarified that while friendly matches serve to test new players and tactics, in a prestigious event like SAFF, results remain the top priority.

The absence of Sabitra Bhandari and Sabita Rana presents a challenge for the team. Captain and key player Sabitra Bhandari (Samba) is sidelined due to injury. She underwent surgery in New Zealand following an injury sustained while playing in the Australian league and is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Qatar. Similarly, Sabita Rana is recovering after knee surgery. Both are critical members of the team, and their absence is expected to pose difficulties. Coach Neupane and players have acknowledged this, describing Sabitra and Sabita as the team’s “spinal cord.” However, they also mentioned that this situation provides other players the chance to prove themselves based on merit. “Samba and Sabita have reached this level through hard work. The new players must learn from them and make the most of this opportunity,” Neupane stated.

Anita Basnet added that although their absence will be felt, the new players are well-prepared. “Samba and Sabita are important to the team and of course, we miss them. But younger players like Rashmi and others are ready. Everyone is working hard, and capable players are ready to fill the gaps.” Geeta and Hira also expressed belief that new players will gain valuable experience in their absence. Junior player Jennifer Rana noted that while the absence of senior players is a loss, it presents an opportunity for younger players. “Without our senior sisters Samba and Sabita, the team will miss them, but we young players must utilize this opportunity,” she said. Jennifer, who plays for the Army team as a goal scorer, is focusing on fulfilling a similar role for the national team during training.

This year’s real test is expected to come in the semifinals. Seven teams will participate in the tournament, divided into two groups of three teams each. Nepal has been placed in Group A alongside comparatively less strong Bhutan and Sri Lanka, which might ease the group stage. However, the semifinals will likely pit Nepal against a stronger opponent from Group B, which includes former champion Bangladesh, five-time winner India, and the Maldives. Nepal’s most probable opponents in the knockout stage are India or Bangladesh. Jennifer mentioned, “Coach Naveen is training us to manage high-pressure situations and how to effectively counterattack. India and Bangladesh are teams known for high-pressure play, so we are very focused.”

Although Nepal has consistently been a strong contender in South Asia, the team has yet to win the SAFF Women’s Championship. In past editions, Nepal hosted three consecutive tournaments but fell short in the finals each time. This year, the team is competing on foreign soil, which adds a new dimension to their challenge. Despite the uncertain situation of football within Nepal, the women’s team’s participation itself is a significant achievement. Going forward, the team aims to deliver an outstanding performance and secure the title.

Nepal will play its opening match against Bhutan on May 25, followed by the final group match against Sri Lanka on May 31. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.

Photo: ANFA