Nepal's women's football team is celebrating an extraordinary triumph as they clinched a spot in the semi-finals with an impeccable record of 100% victories in Group B. The latest display of their dominance unfolded in a thrilling encounter late on Saturday night, where Nepal secured a resounding 4-0 win over Palestine at the illustrious King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Joddah.
The match saw Nepal's forward powerhouse, Sabitra Bhandari, breaking the deadlock in the 42nd minute with a clinical finish, setting the tone for Nepal's commanding performance. Holding firm to their lead through the first half, Nepal unleashed a relentless onslaught in the second half, with Rekha Paudel doubling the advantage in the 59th minute, courtesy of Sabitra's initial strike that ricocheted off the bar.
Sabitra wasn't done yet, showcasing her prowess once more by netting her second goal of the match in the 78th minute, capitalizing on Rashmi Ghising's pinpoint delivery. As the game drew to a close, Geeta Rana sealed the victory with a penalty in injury time, cementing Nepal's dominance on the field and securing their most significant win of the tournament.
Meanwhile, in another Group B fixture held on Saturday, Syria bid farewell to the tournament on a high note, claiming a 3-0 victory over Iraq to salvage some consolation. With an impeccable record of 9 points from three games, Nepal asserted their supremacy atop Group B, while Palestine settled for second place with 6 points. Syria, earning three points, clinched third position, leaving Iraq at the bottom of the table with no points to their name.
Nepal's remarkable journey in the tournament continues to captivate fans worldwide, with their formidable display of skill and determination serving as a testament to the growing prowess of women's football in the region. As they march into the semi-finals, the Nepali team stands poised to etch their name in the annals of football history with each spirited performance on the pitch.