Nepal defeats Bangladesh in the tie-breaker, takes the series 1-0

KATHMANDU: Substitute keeper Anjana Rana Magar’s heroics helped Nepal take the FIFA International Women’s Football Series 2023, winning the second match of the series 4-2 in the tie-breaker at the Sipahi Mohammad Mustafa Kamal Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday.

Both teams were unable to score in the second match of the series. Although Nepal dominated the game, it failed to find the back of the Bangladeshi goal as striker Sabitra Bhandari spurned some beautiful chances.

Anjana Rana Magar, who came on as a substitute for the regular keeper, skipper Anjila Subba, in the 90th minute, made two crucial saves in the penalty shootout, denying Sheuli Azim and Maria Manda.

Although Anjana Rana Magar hit the post, Sabitra Bhandari, Hira Bhujel, and Deepa Shahi successfully converted their penalties for Nepal before Anita KC secured the victory for Nepal with the fifth penalty.

The first match of the series ended in a 1-1 draw.