The Indian women’s football team faced a 1-2 defeat against Nepal in their second match of the Women’s Tri-Nation International Friendlies at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Monday.
Nepal striker
Sabitra Bhandari scored a brace (2’, 63’) to give the visitors an early lead, before Karishma Shirvoikar (81’) netted her first-ever goal for the senior national team, pulling one back late in the second half.
How India Lost To Nepal?
Nepal started strongly with Sabitra being set through on goal in the second minute, chasing a bouncing ball before chipping it over India goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu for an early advantage.
India then sought ways to equalize, with Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi orchestrating the midfield. Her powerful shot from outside the box at the quarter-hour mark was tipped over the bar by Anjana Rana Magar. Shortly after, her low free-kick was also saved.
India’s best chance in the first half came in the 32nd minute when Grace Dangmei advanced up the right and sent a low cross towards Lynda Kom Serto. Although Serto could not reach it, the clearance fell to Sangita Basfore, who blasted it over.
While the Blue Tigresses attacked, their defense remained alert to Nepal’s counter-attacks. Hemam Shilky Devi executed a gritty sliding tackle to block Sabitra’s effort in the 35th minute.
Just before half-time, Panthoi bravely stepped off her line to save after Sabitra was played behind the Indian defense.
India continued their pursuit for a goal in the second half, but Nepal doubled their lead. In the 63rd minute, Sabitra expertly curled a close-range free-kick into the top corner, beyond Panthoi’s reach.
Despite the second goal, the relatively younger Indian side persisted. Forward Pyari Xaxa was played through on the right by Nirmala, but Anjana rushed out to collect the ball.
India finally found the net in the 81st minute when a long free-kick from Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi bounced over the Nepal defense and fell to substitute Karishma Shirvoikar, who slotted it past the goalkeeper.
The Blue Tigresses applied pressure in the final stages, but Nepal held onto their lead to secure the victory.
