Himal Press 
Bhutan keeper Sangita Monger was chosen Player of the Match for her impressive performance between the sticks.
KATHMANDU: Nepal opened its 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship campaign with a goalless draw against Bhutan at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Friday.
In the second match of Group ‘B’, Nepal launched multiple attacks on the Bhutanese goal but was denied by the impressive Bhutanese goalkeeper Sangita Monger.
Nepal created its first opportunity in the seventh minute, but Sabita Rana Magar’s shot went wide. In the 13th minute, Nepal came close to taking the lead again, but striker Rashmi Kumari Ghising’s attempt was saved by Monger. Four minutes later, Preeti Rai wasted Sabita’s excellent through pass when her shot sailed over the crossbar.
Nepal squandered another chance in the 20th minute. Gita Rana’s goal-bound header from Sabita’s corner was deflected off forward Amisha Karki and went out. Five minutes later, midfielder Saru Limbu failed to convert Preeti’s well-placed through pass.
Nepal missed a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 53rd minute when Ugyen Choden cleared Rekha Poudel’s shot from Deepa Shahi’s corner kick off the goal line.
Monger easily saved Sabita’s shot in the 58th minute and denied another attempt by Rekha a minute later. Seven minutes later, defender Bimala BK’s shot from outside the box narrowly missed the post.
With six minutes remaining in regulation time, Monger made an excellent save to deny Sabita’s effort from Rekha’s pass. In injury time, Sabita’s shot hit the post and went out.
This is the first time in the history of the SAFF Women’s Championship that Bhutan managed to earn a point against Nepal. Before this match, Nepal had scored 23 goals without conceding in its previous four encounters with Bhutan.
