WAFF Women’s Championship: Samba scores five as Nepal enters semis

KATHMANDU: Star striker Sabitra Bhandari aka Samba scored all the goals as Nepal defeated Iraq 5-0 in its second match of the 2024 WAFF Women’s Championship and secured its sport in the semifinal of the regional football tournament for West Asian nations.

In the match played at King Abdullah Football City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, Sabitra scored four goals in the first half and added her fifth in the second half. The fifth goal was Sabitra’s 50th in the national colors.

Nepal defeated Syria 4-1 in its first match of the championship.

Palestine has also secured its spot in the semifinals from Nepal’s group by winning its first two games against Iraq 3-0 and Syria 1-0.

Eight teams, including the two invited sides Nepal and Guam, are participating in the 2024 WAFF Women’s Championship. They have been divided into two groups of four teams each.

Meanwhile, five-time champions Jordan and Lebanon have advanced to the semifinals from the other group. The match between Jordan and Lebanon on Saturday will determine Nepal’s opponent in the semifinal.