By Sachit Subba • Football • Jul 17, 2025 11:45 AM • 36 views
Nepal continued its red-hot form at the SAFF U-20 Women's Championship in Dhaka with another emphatic 7–0 win over Sri Lanka on Thursday, surging to the top of the points table on goal difference. In a dominant display at the Bashundhara Sports Complex, the young Gorkhalis replicated their scoreline from earlier in the week against the same opposition. Goals flowed from six different players, underlining the squad's depth and attacking intent as they stake a serious claim for the regional title.
Balanced Attack, Ruthless Execution
Kusum Khatri and Samikshya Magar each bagged a brace, while Purnima Rai, Sarita Nath, and skipper Birsana Chaudhary added one apiece. From wing play to set-pieces, Nepal displayed tactical sharpness and relentless pressure, especially in vast areas, that proved far too much for a struggling Sri Lankan backline. Nepal drew first blood in the 15th minute when Purnima pounced on a defensive miscue following a cutback from Senoo Pariyar. Although her initial header struck the crossbar, she kept her composure and smashed in the rebound. Tenacious pressing led to Nepal's second goal in the 35th minute. A strike from Mina Deuba deflected into the path of Kusum, who made no mistake from close range. Just before halftime, Sarita Nath produced a moment of magic from a 25-yard free kick, punishing Sri Lanka's ill-discipline. The ball bounced awkwardly in front of keeper Tharusika Dodamgoda and nestled into the net to make it 3–0. Barely a minute later, Kusum was at it again. A seemingly harmless effort from outside the box took a deflection off a defender and beat the keeper, extending Nepal's lead to four before the interval.
Second-Half Blitz Continues
Sri Lanka nearly found a lifeline in the 63rd minute, but Goma Rokaya's heroic goal-line clearance denied Sandhuni Gulwitege after she had rounded goalkeeper Lila Joshi. Nepal turned defence into attack swiftly, and moments later earned a penalty when substitute Samikshya Magar was tripped in the box. Captain Birsana Chaudhary calmly converted from the spot. Samikshya then added a goal of her own in the 74th minute, reacting quickest to a rebound after Sarita's thunderous shot struck the bar. Five minutes later, she struck again—this time showing quick feet and sharp instincts to finish off a cross from Sushila KC despite heavy marking inside the box. Nepal had a golden chance to make it 8–0 In the 86th minute, Varsha Oli won a penalty just moments after entering the pitch. However, Tharusika denied Sushila from the spot, preventing the damage from worsening for the Lankans.
A Statement Victory
The victory puts Nepal on nine points from four matches, level with hosts Bangladesh but ahead on superior goal difference. It also marks back-to-back 7–0 wins against the same opponent, highlighting Nepal's superiority in all areas of the pitch. The squad's tactical flexibility, bench depth, and fitness levels have been noteworthy. Head coach Hari Khadka's young guns are now emerging as genuine contenders as the tournament approaches the knockout stage. Later today, Bangladesh face Bhutan in what could shape the standings further. But for now, Nepal holds the summit—and with performances like this, they look determined to stay there.
