The Nepal Women’s National Football Team (hereafter “Nepal Women”) returned to international action after more than three months, but faced a tough day at the office as they were defeated 0–3 by the Iran Women’s National Football Team in the tri-nation friendly tournament in Shillong, India. The result confirms Iran as champions of the tournament in decisive fashion.
Tournament Context & Rankings
- The match was held on 24 October 2025 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong in Shillong, Meghalaya.
- Iran entered the fixture ranked 70th in the FIFA Women’s World Ranking; Nepal Women were reportedly ranked 89th. FIFA+1
- Nepal’s women had not featured in competitive action since their appearance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in Uzbekistan in July.
- Iran had already beaten hosts India 2–0 earlier in the tournament and needed only one more win to claim the trophy. All India Football Federation
First Half: Even-Playing Field
The opening 45 minutes saw Nepal Women holding their own against a stronger opponent. Both sides had chances, though the scoreline remained 0–0 at half-time.
- Nepal’s defensive discipline frustrated Iran’s more dominant possession game.
- Despite being rated lower, Nepal looked competitive and were able to build a few half-chances, though lacked the final quality to convert them.
Second Half Collapse: Three Goals in Nine Minutes
The second half turned sharply in Iran’s favour. They struck three goals within a nine-minute span to break Nepal’s resistance.
Goal-by-goal breakdown
- 49′ minute: A long goal-kick from Iran goalkeeper Raha Yazdani turned into an attacking opportunity; substitute Sara Didar muscled past defender Bimala BK and slotted home past Anjila Tumbapo Subba.
- 52′ minute: Iran captain Zahra Ghanbari executed a curling free-kick from the right flank, which sailed over Subba and under the bar, giving Iran a 2–0 lead.
- 57′ minute: A moment of pure class – Shabnam Behesht took a 25-yard strike that beat Subba to complete the scoring at 3–0.
Tactical collapse
- After the opening goal, Nepal appeared rattled and lost their earlier structure.
- Missing key defender Gita Rana (recovering from shoulder surgery) affected Nepal’s personnel depth and defensive stability.
- Iran pressed their advantage, kept possession in Nepal’s half and provoked turnovers.
- Nepal’s leading attackers – Sabitra Bhandari and Preeti Rai – were largely kept in check throughout the game.
Key Take-aways & Player Ratings
What to learn
- Possession alone did not win the match for Nepal; the difference lay in clinical finishing and execution of set-pieces.
- Iran’s ability to shift gears after half-time proved decisive.
- Recovery and squad depth remain issues for Nepal Women if they aim to compete consistently at higher levels.
Player ratings (out of 10)
- Anjila Tumbapo Subba (GK): 5 – handled some saves but vulnerable to the three quick goals.
- Bimala BK (Defender): 5 – beaten by Didar for the first goal.
- Sabitra Bhandari (Forward): 4 – few clear chances, lacked the ammunition.
- Preeti Rai (Forward): 4 – quiet outing and limited service.
- Sara Didar (Iran sub): 7 – decisive impact, strong off the bench.
- Zahra Ghanbari (Iran Captain): 7 – high quality on set-piece execution.
- Shabnam Behesht (Iran): 8 – match-winner with superb strike.
What’s Next: Nepal’s Road Ahead
- The final match of the tournament – between Nepal Women and the India Women’s National Football Team – is scheduled for 27 October 2025.
- Nepal’s interim coach Nabin Neupane will face pressure to deliver as the team rebuilds following the resignation of former Belgian coach Patrick De Wilde amid internal issues.
- With eyes on the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2031 qualification path, the focus must shift to strategic development, fitness, and game management.
Quote Highlights
“We held our shape for 45 minutes but lacked the finishing touch when it mattered most,” said Head Coach Nabin Neupane ahead of the India clash.
“The long kick from our goalkeeper turned into the opener and changed the momentum,” Iranian captain Zahra Ghanbari reflected after the match.
Conclusion
While Nepal Women showed promise in the first half of their tri-nation friendly outing, the second half told a different story. A rapid three-goal flurry by Iran ensured they clinched the trophy and left Nepal with questions to answer. For the Nepal side, the upcoming fixture against India is more than just a consolation match-it is a chance to recalibrate, rebuild confidence and restart their march toward higher ambitions.
