Kathmandu, Sept 8: Nepal’s national women football team thrashed the hosts Kyrgystan by a wide margin 8-2 in Najda cup football tournament on Sunday.
Nepal’s lethal striker Sabitra Bhandari hit four goals, midfielder Anita Basnet scored a brace, skipper Neeru Thapa and Dipa Rai scored a goal each to secure a comprehensive victory over the hosts today.
Bhandari broke the deadlock as early as on the 5th minute of the game before hitting a brace on the 15th minute. The hosts reduced the arrears on the 19th minute and cancelled out Nepal’s score three minutes later.
Deepa Rai restored Nepal’s lead on the 25th minute before Sabitra Bhandari completed her hat-trick and Nepal’s fourth goal on the half-hour mark.
Nepal’s goal feast continued as Anita Basnet and captain Neeru Thapa scored on the 34th and 37th minute respectively to give Nepal two-goal cushion against the tired-looking opponents.
Though Nepal played excellent football in the half-half, they could only manage to notch two more goals to their tally.
Sabitra Bhandari scored her fourth and team’s seventh goal in 53rd minute before Anita Basnet scored a magnificent goal in the dying minute of the game to inflict more damage on the hosts.
Nepal along with the hosts Kyrgystan, Uzbekistan and Tajikstan are competing in the tournament. Nepal are taking part in the competition as part of their preparation for the upcoming 13th SAG 2019.