By Sachit Subba • Football • Aug 08, 2025 10:19 AM • 124 views
Thimphu, Bhutan — In a dramatic finale at the Changlimithang Stadium on Friday, attacking midfielder Sukriya Miya etched her name into Nepal's football folklore, scoring a decisive goal in the final minute of regulation time to seal a crucial 1–0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers. The late strike not only delivered Nepal their first win of the campaign but also kept their dream of qualifying for next year's AFC Women's Asian Cup in Thailand very much alive. In this Group A third-round clash, Nepal displayed discipline and composure, grinding out a narrow but vital win against a Saudi side desperate to bounce back from earlier setbacks. With the victory, Nepal climbed to the top of the table, collecting four points from two matches. Their campaign began with a 1–1 draw against hosts Bhutan earlier in the week. For Saudi Arabia, however, the loss marks the end of their qualification hopes. The team suffered a crushing 15–0 defeat at the hands of North Korea in their opening game and were unable to recover in time to mount a comeback in the tournament. With momentum on their side and a spot in Thailand still within reach, Nepal's focus now shifts to maintaining consistency in their final fixtures. The Changlimithang crowd on Friday witnessed more than just a goal — they saw a young team believing in itself, fighting until the last whistle, and keeping a nation's hopes alive.
