By Bootballer Desk • Football • Feb 20, 2025 14:46 PM • 456 views
Kathmandu, February 22—The final matchup of the International Women's Championship 2025 is set. Host nations Nepal and Myanmar secured their spots after dominant performances in their respective group-stage matches. Lebanon's second consecutive Thursday defeat sealed the tournament decider equation.
In the day's second match at Dasharath Stadium, Tripureshwor, Nepal edged past Lebanon 1-0, courtesy of a late goal from star striker Sabitra Bhandari. With this win, Nepal and Myanmar have amassed six points from two matches, confirming their final place with one group-stage game to spare. Myanmar dismantled Kyrgyzstan 5-0 earlier in the day to maintain their perfect record.
Sabitra's Heroics in Front of 12,000 Fans
Under the floodlights and the roaring support of 12,000 home fans, Sabitra delivered a clutch moment just three minutes before halftime. The forward capitalized on a set-piece delivery from midfielder Bimala Chaudhary, firing a shot outside the box. The effort took a decisive deflection off Lebanese defender Farah El Tayar before nestling into the net, sending the home crowd into jubilation.
Lebanon's Missed Opportunities
Lebanon had a promising start and nearly took the lead in the ninth minute when winger Christie Maalouf's strike was well saved by Nepali goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba. Just four minutes later, Leyla Iskandar was in a one-on-one situation but failed to beat Anjila, keeping the game level.
Nepal, too, had their chances. In the 15th minute, midfielder Preeti Rai's attempt narrowly missed the target. Later, in the 26th minute, a golden opportunity was squandered when Rekha Paudel failed to convert from close range following a precise setup from Savita Rana Magar. In first-half injury time, Lebanon nearly equalized when Zahwa Arabi's long-range effort rattled the crossbar, leaving Anjila rooted to the spot.
Upcoming Fixtures
Before meeting in the final, Nepal and Myanmar will face off in their last group-stage match on February 23 at 6 PM, a game that could serve as a psychological advantage ahead of the championship clash. Earlier in the day, Kyrgyzstan and Lebanon will battle at 2 PM to avoid finishing at the bottom of the table.
With the stage set for an electrifying final, all eyes will be on Dasharath Stadium as Nepal aims to lift the International Women's Championship trophy on home soil.
