By Sachit Subba • Football • Jul 11, 2025 15:54 PM • 39 views
Nepal launched their SAFF U-20 Women's Championship campaign with a dominant 6-1 victory over Bhutan on Thursday, delivering a resounding statement of intent at the Bashundhara Kings Arena in Dhaka. Striker Purnima Rai stole the spotlight with a dazzling four-goal haul, while Senu Pariyar added a clinical brace to help Nepal surge to an emphatic opening win in the four-team tournament. Nepal wasted no time in asserting its dominance, grabbing a 3-0 lead by halftime. The scoring began as early as the 9th minute, when Senu Pariyar latched onto a through pass from Barsha Oli and sent a perfectly weighted chip from outside the penalty box into the net. Just nine minutes later, Nepal doubled their lead. Barsha, again instrumental, delivered a precise cross that found Purnima Rai unmarked in the six-yard box. Purnima struck with a composed one-touch finish to make it 2-0. Senu struck again in the 45th minute, converting from inside the box after another slick combination play with Barsha. By the break, Nepal were cruising with a commanding 3-0 lead.
Bhutan briefly responded after the interval through Kelden Wangmo, who pulled one back in the 53rd minute, giving her side a glimmer of hope. But Nepal responded within minutes.
Purnima netted her second of the day just moments after Bhutan's goal, restoring the three-goal cushion and extending Nepal's lead to 4-1.
The hat-trick came in the 83rd minute, as Purnima showcased her striking instincts yet again, coolly slotting home her third goal. She wasn't done. In the 88th minute, she completed her fourth goal of the match, sealing a ruthless 6-1 victory for Nepal.
In the other match of the day, hosts Bangladesh routed Sri Lanka 9-1 to top the standings on goal difference.
Nepal's next fixture is a highly anticipated clash against Bangladesh on Sunday, a matchup that could determine early momentum in the round-robin format tournament. With only four teams in contention, consistency will be key — the team finishing top after the double round-robin will be crowned champions.
