Kathmandu, Oct 28: World record-holding climber Phurba Tenzing Sherpa showcased a T-shirt featuring a photo of Nepali national football team goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba atop Mount Everest during the promotional event for the film “Anjila,” based on Subba’s life. The movie, set to release on coming Magh 11, stars renowned actor Dayahang Rai among others, with Subba playing a lead role. The film’s poster shows Subba holding a football.
Yesterday, the semi-final match of the 7th Women’s SAFF Championship, where Subba captained the Nepali national women’s football team against India at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu, was nothing short of a cinematic experience. The match was filled with competition, tension, controversies, and thrilling moments, leaving the audience captivated. Former principal Dipak Kapali remarked that the football competition felt as exciting as watching a movie.
The Indian coach, Santosh Kumar Kashyap, expressed happiness at his players performing in a packed stadium, something they were not used to in previous tournaments where attendance was low. The Dasharath Stadium, with a capacity of around 15,000, was filled to the brim yesterday. Millions also watched the match via television and YouTube.
Having topped their league group, the Nepali fans placed great importance on the match against their long-time rivals, India. For the Nepali players, competing at home in front of thousands of football enthusiasts was a significant opportunity. Coach Rajendra Tamang noted that even though Nepal defeated India in 2022, the team needed to play cautiously.
The match between India, a five-time SAFF champion, and Nepal, a five-time runner-up, started competitively, with both teams striving to score without success. However, the game took a tense turn when Bhutanese referee Om Choki issued a red card to Nepali striker Rekha Paudel after a double yellow card in the 51st minute. Paudel, who had scored the most goals for Nepal in the tournament, led to outrage among the fans.
Paudel was a key player for the Nepali football team and had scored the highest number of goals (seven) among Nepali players in the tournament. Her dismissal sparked outrage among the fans, prompting increased security in the stadium. With Paudel sent off, concerns arose that Nepal would struggle in their upcoming final match against Bangladesh.
Referee’s Decision Sparks Controversy
Initially, referee Choki signaled a goal, but after consulting with the assistant referee and fourth official, the goal was disallowed, leading to increased controversy. The Nepali players were reluctant to continue playing, prompting football officials to make numerous efforts to persuade them. Officials indicated that if the Nepali team did not resume play, they could face sanctions, leading to a decision by coach Rajendra Tamang to return to the field.
Both teams changed goalkeepers for the shootout. Newly substituted Nepali goalkeeper Anjana Ranamagar played a crucial role by saving two penalties. The match, which started at 6:30 PM, extended over three hours. Even by nearly 10 PM, fans remained in the stands, celebrating the Nepali team’s victory.
After her dismissal, the game faced a temporary halt. India’s Sangeeta Basfore scored shortly after, but Nepal equalized with a goal from Priti Rai, though the referee did not validate it, leading to further delays. Following extensive efforts by officials, the Nepali team resumed play.
Once play resumed, Nepali striker Sabitra Bhandari, known as ‘Samba,’ scored to equalize, lifting the spirits of the team and the fans. However, in her excitement, she stepped off the field to celebrate and received a yellow card from referee Choki. The match ended in a 1-1 tie, leading to a penalty shootout where Nepal triumphed over India 4-2, securing their place in the finals.
After the restart, Nepali striker Sabitra Bhandari equalized, but in her excitement, she received a yellow card for leaving the field to celebrate. The match ended in a tie, leading to a tense penalty shootout, where Nepal triumphed over India 4-2, securing their spot in the finals.
Nepal’s first match in this championship had been disappointing, ending in a goalless draw against Bhutan. Coach Tamang admitted that his players had struggled, pointing out their selfish play.
In the group stage, Nepal dominated the Maldives with an 11-0 victory, where Paudel scored five goals. After returning from playing professionally in France, Sabitra expressed her team’s collective effort in their success, particularly against India.
With anticipation building, the Nepali women’s team is set to face Bangladesh in the finals, aiming to win the SAFF Championship for the first time, especially after their painful defeat in the last final.
