By Bootballer Desk • Football • Feb 26, 2025 14:43 PM • 364 views
Kathmandu – Myanmar secured the International Women's Championship 2025 crown, silencing 15,500 home fans at Dasharath Stadium with a 2-0 victory over Nepal in the final on Tuesday.
This defeat marks Nepal's third international final loss in a year and the 13th overall. The national team had previously suffered heartbreak in the West Asian Football Confederation (WAFC) Championship final in Saudi Arabia last February and the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship final on home soil in September.
Myanmar Takes Control in the Second Half
The deadlock was finally broken in the 62nd minute when Myanmar's U Per Khine made a dazzling solo run down the left wing, beating Nepali winger Savita Rana Magar. Khine's attempted cross towards San Thau deceived Nepal's goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba, finding its way into the net at the far post.
Just a minute later, Myanmar unfortunately doubled its lead over Nepal. Right-back Phu Phu Win delivered a precise free-kick into the box, where captain Ring Kingin Ta's shot deflected off Nepal's right-back Bimala Bik and into the net for an own goal, giving Myanmar a crucial 2-0 advantage.
Nepal's Missed Opportunities
Nepal desperately searched for a way back into the game, but Myanmar's disciplined defence and stellar goalkeeping held firm. In the 70th minute, Saru Limbu's powerful header from a Savita Rana Magar corner was spectacularly saved by Myanmar goalkeeper Myo Mya Mya Nyain, denying Nepal a lifeline.
During injury, Nepal's last chance to mount a comeback was thwarted again as Myo Mya made a crucial stop on Savitra's free-kick effort.
Defensive Resilience in the First Half
The first half ended goalless, with Nepal's Bimala Bik making a vital goal-line clearance in the 24th minute. Myanmar's forward San Thau Thau had unleashed a powerful strike from inside the box, but with Anjila beaten, Bik stepped up to prevent an early setback.
Ten minutes before halftime, Nepal squandered a golden opportunity to take the lead. Rekha, capitalizing on a brilliant through ball from Preeti Rai, laid off a perfect pass to Savitra in a one-on-one situation, but the forward's shot was well-blocked by Myanmar's ever-alert goalkeeper.
In the 11th minute, Myanmar's midfielder Yun Badi Hlaing tested Nepal's goalkeeper with a low-driven effort, but Anjila quickly collected the ball, ensuring the game remained evenly poised.
Despite Nepal's determined efforts, Myanmar's clinical finishing and defensive solidity proved too much to overcome. With yet another title slipping through their grasp, Nepal must now regroup and focus on addressing their struggles in high-pressure finals as they prepare for upcoming international challenges.
