Nepali women’s team suffers 0-2 defeat against Thailand

KATHMANDU: The Nepali national women’s football team suffered a 0-2 defeat against Thailand in an international friendly held in Bangkok on Monday.

Although the first half ended goalless, Thailand scored twice in the second half to secure the win.

Thailand created the first chance of the match in the 8th minute. However, Phichayathida Manowang’s right-footed shot was blocked and went out for a corner.

In the 21st minute, Nepal created a chance when Sabitra Bhandari dribbled forward and shot from a tight angle. However, Thai goalkeeper Tiffany Sornpao made the save.

Thailand nearly took the lead four minutes later when Saowaluk Phengngam picked up a loose ball and struck it with her right foot. However, her shot was saved by Nepali keeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba.

Although Thailand dominated possession and pressed forward, it couldn’t break through. The first half ended in a goalless draw.

Thailand had an opportunity to take the lead just two minutes into the second half. Nepali defenders cleared a Thai free kick into the path of Phattharanan Upachai, whose right-footed shot narrowly missed the target.

Chatchawan Rotthong put Thailand 1-0 up in the 59th minute as her left-footed free kick sailed beyond the Npeali keeper into the net.
Nepal had a chance two minutes later but Sabitra Bhandari’s right-footed shot went wide.

In the 73rd minute, Phichayathida Manowang broke down the right and crossed for Jiraporn Mongkoldi who volleyed the ball from the first touch to double the lead.

Thailand had also defeated Nepal 1-0 in a closed-door friendly on Friday.

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) arranged the friendlies as part of Nepal’s preparation for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers, set to take place later this month in Uzbekistan.

Nepal is drawn in Group ‘F’ alongside Uzbekistan, Laos and Sri Lanka.