Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepal defeated Kyrgyz Republic 1-0 in its opening match of the International Women’s Championship at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Monday.
Bimala Chaudhary scored the only goal of the match in the 10th minute when she headed past Kyrgyz Republic Dilnura Kyzy after connecting with Sabita Rana Magar’s beautiful pass from the right wing.
Although Nepal dominated the match and created a series of chances, it failed to make them count.
Nepal created its first opportunity in the sixth minute when Kyrgyz Republic captain and goalkeeper Dilnura Kizi spilled Rekha Poudel’s powerful shot in front of Sabita Rana Magar. However, Sabita failed to score.
Nepal came close to doubling its lead in the 19th minute. However, goalkeeper Dilnura saved Bimala’s shot after Preeti Rai’s free-kick. Nepal had earned the set piece near the box after Kyrgyz defender Asem Turgumbaeva fouled Sabita.
Dilnura saved Nepal’s attempts in the 27th and 29th minutes.
Forward Rashmi Kumari Ghising’s shot from outside the box hit the crossbar and rebounded. Sabita attempted to direct the rebound towards the post. However, once again, the ball hit the crossbar and bounced back. Rekha took a shot at the second rebound, but this time, the ball struck a Kyrgyz defender’s leg.
Nepal introduced Sabitra after the break, but she too failed to make a meaningful impact in the match. She had one opportunity to score, but her low shot from inside the box, while completely unmarked, went wide.
Nepal will now meet Lebanon in its next match on February 20.
Earlier, Myanmar defeated Lebanon 3-1 in the first match of the championship.
