Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepal and Myanmar played a 2-2 draw in the final round-robin match of the International Women’s Championship at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Sunday.
Although Myanmar led Nepal twice, Sabitra Bhandari inspired Nepal’s comeback with a goal and an assist. Sabita Rana Magar scored Nepal’s other goal, while Myat Noe Khin and May Htet Lwin were on the scoresheet for Myanmar.
Both Nepal and Myanmar, which is ranked 55th in FIFA rankings, had already booked their spot in the final scheduled for Wednesday. The two sides played an entertaining draw in the dress rehearsal for the final.
Myanmar took an early lead in the 6th minute when Myat Noe Khin’s superb free-kick sailed above Nepali captain and goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba into the net.
Sabitra created Nepal’s equalizer when she ran with the ball to the edge of the box and provided a precise pass to Sabitra Bhandari, who only needed to tap the ball into the net from the penalty box.
This was Sabita’s third goal in the national colors.
Myanmar took the lead again when May Htet Lwin capitalized on a defensive error by Nepal and unleashed a powerful shot past the helpless Nepali keeper Anjila.
Nepal piled pressure on Myanmar as it searched for an equalizer. It was rewarded in the 41st minute when Preeti Rai delivered an excellent pass to Sabitra. Sabitra controlled the ball outside the box, ran a few yards, and unleashed a powerful shot past the advancing Myanmar keeper.
The first half ended in a 2-2 draw.
Both Nepal and Myanmar created a series of good moves in the second half but failed to break the deadlock.
This was Nepal’s second draw against Myanmar in four matches. Nepal lost two matches against Myanmar, including in the final, in the Hero Cup held in India in 2019. It played a 1-1 draw against Myanmar in the 2022 Olympics qualifier.
Earlier, Lebanon defeated Kyrgz Republic 2-0 in their final match of the International Women’s Championship. Christy Maalouf and Mya Rose Callil scored for Lebanon.
