Dhaka, Bangladesh: A gritty performance powered Nepal to a narrow 1-0 victory against Bhutan in the ongoing SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship 2024. Senu Pariyar’s second-half strike proved the difference-maker, sending shockwaves through a Bhutanese side still reeling from their opening-day drubbing.

Bounce Back in Style: Smarting from their opening day defeat to hosts Bangladesh, Nepal desperately needed a win to keep their tournament dreams alive. They started with fire, nearly breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute when Birsana Chaudhary pounced on a goalkeeper error, only to be denied by a last-ditch clearance. Despite Sukriya Mia’s late first-half effort being parried away, the score remained goalless at the break.

Second Half Heroics: Coach Balgopal Saukhal’s tactical tweaks in the second half paid dividends. Aligned with gloves, Lila Joshi stood firm at the back, while Sarita Kumari Nath and Samishka Magar bolstered the defence. The breakthrough arrived in the 54th minute. Senu Pariyar, seizing her moment, unleashed a decisive strike that nestled into the net, sending the Nepali contingent into raptures.

Bhutan Bow Out: Despite fighting valiantly, Bhutan, already demoralized by their 10-0 defeat to India, couldn’t find an equalizer. Their tournament ends, while Nepal, now perched on three points, clings to their qualification hopes.

Clash of the Titans: All eyes now turn to the highly anticipated encounter between India and Bangladesh, the two tournament favourites. While Nepal still harbours qualification hopes, the winner of this match will take a giant leap towards securing a place in the final.