Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Hosts Nepal booked its place in the final of the 2025 International Women’s Championship with a 1-0 victory over Lebanon at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Thursday.
Sabitra Bhandari scored the decisive goal three minutes before halftime. Her powerful long-range strike from outside the box deflected off a Lebanese defender and found the back of the net.
Nepal had an early chance in the 15th minute, but Preeti Rai’s shot sailed over the crossbar. In the 26th minute, Nepal created another opportunity, but Rekha Paudel failed to convert from close range after a precise cross from Sabita Rana Magar.
In injury time, Lebanon’s Zahwa Arabi unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, but her shot hit the crossbar.
Nepal will now face Myanmar, who have also secured a place in the final, in their last round-robin match on Sunday. Similarly, the Kyrgyz Republic will play against Lebanon in the first match on Sunday. Both nations are winless and pointless in the championship so far.
