Nepal Denied! Turkmenistan Keeper Turns Wall in U-17 Clash
Chonburi, Thailand – Nepal's U-17 women's team played out a frustrating and ultimately devastating goalless draw against Turkmenistan in their AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers Group F opener on Wednesday. Despite utterly dominating the play and creating a barrage of chances, the Nepali side was thwarted repeatedly by one heroic figure: Turkmenistani goalkeeper Leli Sharipova. Playing through torrential rain on a heavy, waterlogged pitch at the Chonburi Stadium, Nepal imposed continuous pressure on their opponents throughout the 90 minutes. However, the one thing that mattered most—a goal—proved elusive. Sharipova stood as an insurmountable barrier, personally blocking a half-dozen clear-cut Nepali opportunities. Nepal signalled their intent early, with captain Bhumika Budhathoki's seventh-minute left-footed strike from inside the box forcing Sharipova into her first critical save. The pressure mounted as the half wore on. Midfielder Babtika Karki's corner found striker Anita Ranamagar, whose header narrowly missed the target. Minutes later, a first-touch shot by forward Yamukumari BK, set up by Budhathoki, again failed to find the frame. Sharipova was then called upon to deny Ranmagar on a beautiful through-pass from Karki just before the break.  The second half brought no respite for the Turkmenistani defence, only more brilliance from their keeper. Budhathoki and Ranmagar failed to capitalise on a disorganised defence in the 49th minute. Substitute striker Pooja Giri's strike in the 61st minute was also brilliantly saved by Sharipova, who then blocked another strong attempt from Ranmagar just three minutes later. With time ticking away and desperation setting in, Karki's 70th-minute effort was parried, and Yamukumari's header from a free-kick by Gyansu Dolma Lo in the 76th minute was yet another victim of the keeper's reflexes. The final agonising moment arrived six minutes from time when defender Alija Kumari BK's fierce strike rattled the crossbar and rebounded back into play. The dramatic draw means Turkmenistan's challenge to reach the Asian Cup is mathematically over. However, for Nepal, the road ahead has become a sheer cliff.  The U-17 side now faces a daunting task in their final, winner-take-all clash against tournament hosts Thailand on Friday. Thailand sent a brutal warning to the group by hammering Turkmenistan 17-0 in their opening fixture. To secure a spot in next year's Asian Cup in China, Nepal must defeat the formidable Thai team. A draw against Nepal would be enough for Thailand to qualify, leaving the Nepali girls needing to produce a monumental upset to turn this bitter draw into a stepping stone toward continental glory.
