By Sachit Subba • Football • Jul 06, 2025 02:20 AM • 83 views
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — Nepal's hopes of making history and reaching the AFC Women's Asian Cup finals came agonisingly close before slipping away in a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to Uzbekistan on Saturday. In what was a pulsating Group 'F' decider under the evening lights of the Tashkent sky, the Nepali women showed heart, hunger, and heroism—but it wasn't enough. After a breathtaking 3-3 draw in regulation time, the match went straight to spot-kicks. There, the hosts held their nerve, while Nepal's dreams fell silent in the echo of a missed penalty.
A Rollercoaster First Half
It all began with a gut-punch. Uzbekistan's DP Xabibullayeva stunned Nepal with a second-minute strike, and when L Karachik made it 2-0 by the 11th minute, the visitors looked rattled. Captain and talisman Sabitra Bhandari offered a glimmer of hope with a superb finish in the 24th, only for Maftuna Shoyimova to restore the Uzbeks' two-goal cushion in the 39th. But just before halftime, a twist: Uzbekistan's Nozimakhon Ergasheva saw red after a reckless second yellow in stoppage time, giving Nepal a one-player advantage—and a surge of belief.
Second-Half Surge and Late Drama
With urgency and purpose, Nepal launched a comeback. Bhandari, ever the predator, struck again in the 72nd minute to make it 3-2, setting up a tense final stretch. Then, in the 90th, a moment of pure euphoria—Nepal found the equaliser that sent their bench erupting and the tie into penalties.
The Shootout That Broke a Nation's Heart
Sabitra stepped up first, only to see her attempt cruelly bounce off the post. When goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar's penalty was saved, the momentum shifted. While Gita Rana Magar and Sabita Rana Magar did convert, Uzbekistan were flawless from the spot—Shoyimova, Zoirova, Khikmatova, and Aminjonova all slotting home.
What Could Have Been
For Nepal, the loss is especially bitter considering the dominance they displayed in earlier matches, trouncing Laos 9-0 and Sri Lanka 8-0. But Uzbekistan were just as ruthless in the group, and with the winner-takes-all format, there was no room for second chances. This is the second time Nepal have come heartbreakingly close to qualifying for a major continental tournament, and while their wait continues, the fight and fire they displayed in Tashkent will not be forgotten. Sabitra Bhandari's two-goal performance, alongside the squad's grit under pressure, proves that this team is knocking on the door of Asia's elite. The dream isn't over—it's just deferred.
Next Stop: Reflection and Renewal
Coach's post-match words were brief but poignant: "We gave everything. Sometimes football gives, sometimes it takes. But this is not the end for Nepali women's football—it's a beginning." As the curtain falls on Nepal's AFC journey for now, one thing remains clear: this team has the talent, passion, and potential to shine again. And next time, they'll aim to make that final step count.
