Vietnam defeats Nepal 5-1

KATHMANDU: The Nepali national women’s team suffered a 1-5 defeat against Vietnam in its first match of the 2024 Olympics Qualifier played at Dasharatah Stadium on Wednesday.

Vietnam, which led Nepal 3-0 at the interval, added two more goals in the second half. Sabitra Bhandari scored a consolation goal for Nepal in the second half.

Nepal made an aggressive start in the game despite playing against a superior opponent. Amisha Karki had an opportunity to give Nepal the lead in just the 10th minute of the game. Karki superbly controlled Deepa Shahi’s cross, but her strike sailed just above the bar.

Soon after Nepal wasted its opportunity, Vietnam took the lead. Pham Hai Yen scored a beautiful header from Thi Tuyet Dung’s pass. Vietnam had the opportunity to double the lead in the 21st minute, but Nepali goalie Anjila Subba saved Thi Thuyet Dung’s cross.

In the 27th minute, Sabitra crossed a beautiful pass toward Deepa, but she failed to connect with the pass. Similarly, Vietnam goalie Khong Thi Hang saved Amisha Karki’s shot from the six-yard box.

Vietnam doubled the lead in the 35th minute. Captain Huynh Nhu scored from the spot. Vietnam was awarded a penalty after Samiksha Ghimire handled the ball inside the box. The visitors scored their third very soon when Thi Bich Thuy’s shot was deflected onto the post by Nepali defender Amrita Jaishi.

Vietnam scored its fourth goal in the 48th minute when Captain Nhu scored with a header, utilizing Hoang Thi Loan’s pass.

Nepal replied with a goal in the 79th minute of the match when Sabitra Bhandari controlled Saru Limbu’s long pass and scored past the advancing Vietnam goalie.

Substitute Nguyen Thi Thanh Nha scored from a powerful strike in injury time to compound the home side’s misery.

Nepal and Vietnam will play the second match of the Qualifier on Saturday.