Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Nepal’s Sabitra Bhandari unleashed a masterclass, leading the team to a 5-0 victory over Iraq in Thursday’s WAFF Women’s Championship. With this commanding win, Nepal secured their spot in the semifinals, leaving their opponents’ aspirations hanging by a thread.

Bhandari was a force of nature, orchestrating the attack with lethal precision. She opened the scoring in the 14th minute, followed by a quickfire double within the next five, capitalizing on Iraqi errors and showcasing her clinical finishing. Her insatiable hunger for goals continued as she netted her fourth just before halftime, leaving the Iraqi defence bewildered.

Nepal’s dominance was absolute, with Bhandari orchestrating the show and her teammates feeding off her energy. Chandra Bhandari made her international debut in the 78th minute. Preeti Rai assisted Bhandari for her fifth and final goal in the 79th minute, a landmark 50th global strike for the Nepali star.

On the other hand, Iraq was left reeling, its defence unable to contain Bhandari’s brilliance. Their two defeats, including a 3-0 opening loss to Palestine, leave them with a mountain to climb in their remaining match against Syria.

Nepal now sits atop Group B with a perfect record, their confidence soaring. Their final group stage match against Palestine on Saturday promises to be thrilling, with both teams vying for the top spot. But for now, the spotlight shines brightly on Bhandari, whose brilliance has propelled Nepal towards championship glory.

This victory is significant for Nepali football, showcasing their growing strength on the international stage. With Bhandari leading the charge, Nepal has become a serious contender for the WAF Women’s Championship title. The stage is set for an exciting climax, and Nepal, with Bhandari at the helm, looks poised to make history.