By Sachit Subba • Football • Oct 27, 2025 15:17 PM • 30 views
SHILLONG, India – Nepali sensation Sabitra Bhandari delivered a masterclass in clinical finishing on Monday, netting a stunning brace to power Nepal past arch-rivals and hosts India with a 2–1 victory in the final match of the Tri-Nation Women's Football Tournament at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The result ensured Nepal finished a morale-boosting second in the competition, leaving the hosts to lick their wounds after a disappointing tournament performance that saw them finish pointless. Known affectionately as 'Samba,' Sabitra Bhandari wasted no time in imposing her will on the game. With the clock barely ticking past the second minute, a searching long ball from centre-back Bimala BK found its target. Bhandari demonstrated exquisite control, expertly chesting the pass before unleashing a precise, low strike past the onrushing Indian goalkeeper, Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, to find the far corner of the net. It was a finish that spoke volumes of the striker's predatory instinct. India, reeling from the early shock, slowly found their footing. Their best first-half opportunity came in the 14th minute when forward Slinada Kom set up Ranjana Chanu. The ensuing powerful, long-range effort was met with an equally superb fingertip save from Nepali custodian Anjana Rana Magar, preserving the slender lead. Nepal came agonizingly close to doubling its advantage just before the break. Deepa Shahi threaded a perfect through-ball to Bhandari, whose low drive was expertly pushed away by Chanu. Moments later, the Indian keeper was called into action again, denying Bimala BK's ambitious long-range strike.
The Moment of Magic
However, no amount of goalkeeping heroics could deny Bhandari a moment of pure brilliance in the 63rd minute. After Indian captain Sangita Basfore fouled midfielder Preeti Rai about 25 yards from the goal, Bhandari stepped up for the free-kick. With the kind of calm assurance reserved for true stars, she curled a spectacular effort into the top corner of the near post, leaving Panthoi Chanu rooted to the spot. It was a goal worthy of winning any contest and sealed her commanding status on the pitch. Despite the 2–0 deficit, India battled on and eventually pulled one back in the 81st minute. Karishma Purushottam Sirvoikar capitalized on a free-kick delivered by Kiran Pisda. Left unmarked inside the penalty area, Sirvoikar maintained her composure to coolly slot the ball past Rana Magar, reducing the margin. But that was all the hosts could muster. Nepal's defence, anchored after a tough opening 3–0 loss to Iran, held firm in the final minutes, ensuring a memorable triumph on Indian soil. The victory, following a challenging start to the tournament (which also saw India lose 2–0 to Iran), provides a significant psychological boost for the Nepali squad. Their improved attacking rhythm, spearheaded by their star striker, and newfound defensive solidity are promising signs as the team looks ahead to its future international commitments.
