Samba brace helps Nepal defeat India 2-1

SHILLONG: The Nepali national women’s team defeated arch-rivals India 2-1 in the Tri-Nation Women’s International Friendlies at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Monday.

Star striker Sabitra Bhandari, aka Samba, scored both goals for Nepal, while Karishma Shirvoikar scored a consolation goal for the hosts.

Sabitra opened the scoring in the second minute with her 65th goal in the national colors. She collected defender Bimala BK’s long pass and beat India keeper Panmthoi Chanu in a one-on-one situation.

India had a chance to equalize in the 14th minute. However, goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar punched away an excellent strike from Ratnabala.

Sabitra had the chance to double Nepal’s lead in the 43rd minute. However, her close-range effort was saved by the Indian goalie.

The first half ended 1-0 in favor of Nepal.

Sabitra doubled Nepal’s lead with her 66th goal from a free kick.

Karishma Shirvoikar pulled one back for India in the  81st minute.

Nepal suffered a 3-0 loss to Iran in their first match of the tri-nation friendlies, while India went down 2-0 to Iran in their first match.