Substitute Anjana saves two penalties as Nepal defeat India

KATHMANDU: The Nepali national women’s football team defeated India 3-0 in a penalty shootout on Wednesday in an exhibition match held in Sikkim, India, to mark 50 years of the state’s formation.

The match went to the shoot-out after the two teams were tied 1-1 in the regulation time. India took an early lead in the 30th minute through Saumya Guguloth, who capitalized on Nepal’s lax defending, while Nepal equalized in the 46th minute with a goal from Rashmi Kumari Ghising off Captain Anita Basnet’s corner.

Nepal coach Nabin Neupane made a key substitution for the shootout, bringing Anjana Rana Magar in to replace Usha Nath. Anjana became the hero of the shootout as she saved the penalties of Priyadarshini and Astam Oram, while Santosh missed her shot.

For Nepal, Sabita Rana Magar, Rashmi Kumari Ghising and Nisha Thoker converted their penalties. Captain Basnet, however, missed her attempt.

Nepal made 10 changes from the lineup that defeated India 2-1 in the tri-nation friendly. India were also not without some of their first-choice players.