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KATHMANDU, July 6: Nepal’s hopes of playing in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia were dashed as the national women’s football team fell to Uzbekistan in a dramatic penalty shootout.
In the final Group 'F' match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers on Saturday, Nepal lost 4–2 in a penalty shootout against hosts Uzbekistan, falling short of a chance to qualify for the tournament for the first time in 26 years.
During regular time at Bunyodkor Stadium, Nepal held Uzbekistan — a team ranked 49 places higher in FIFA rankings — to a thrilling 3–3 draw. But as per tournament rules, the match proceeded directly to penalties, where Nepal’s captain Sabitra Bhandari and goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar missed their shots.
For Uzbekistan, M. Soyimova, Y. Zoirova, M. Khikmatova, and M. Aminijonova converted their penalties. Nepal’s Geeta Rana and Sabita Rana Magar scored, but Sabitra’s opening shot hit the crossbar and Anjana’s attempt was saved by Uzbek keeper M. Zonimkulyova. With the win, Uzbekistan made history by qualifying for the Asian Cup for the first time.
For Nepal, the dream of returning to the Asian Cup — last played in 1999 — remained unfulfilled. Nepal had previously participated in the 1986 and 1989 editions but failed to capitalize on a golden opportunity this time. With this loss, Nepal also missed becoming the third South Asian team to qualify for the tournament, after India and Bangladesh secured their spots for the 2026 Asian Cup to be held in Australia.
Nepal entered the match as a strong contender, especially following dominant performances against Laos and Sri Lanka. Despite the heartbreaking result, the team showed great resilience. Driven by a hat-trick from captain Sabitra Bhandari, Nepal made a stunning comeback after trailing 3–1. The hosts were even reduced to 10 players when Nozimakhon Irgaseva was sent off just before halftime, giving Nepal a chance to turn the tide.
Uzbekistan had taken an early lead through Diyora Khabibullaeva in the second minute. Geeta Rana tried to block a shot by Feruza Turdiboeva with a header, but the unmarked Khabibullaeva pounced on the rebound to net the opener. Uzbekistan doubled their lead in the 11th minute through an own goal by Nepal’s Samikshya Ghimire, who deflected a cross from Lyudmila Karachik into her own net after goalkeeper Anjana was caught off position.
Nepal pulled one back in the 24th minute with a long-range strike from Sabitra Bhandari. But in the 37th minute, Soyimova converted a penalty after Saraswati Hamal committed a handball inside the box, making it 3–1 for Uzbekistan. In added time of the first half, Nozimakhon Irgaseva received her second yellow card and was sent off, reducing the home team to 10 players.
Taking advantage of the numerical edge, Nepal struck back in the second half. Sabitra Bhandari scored twice in the 71st and 74th minutes to complete her hat-trick — her third of the tournament — and level the match at 3–3.
Despite the valiant comeback, the match went to a penalty shootout where Nepal fell short. Sabitra’s hat-trick, inspired play, and Nepal’s offensive dominance weren’t enough to clinch victory. Earlier in the qualifiers, Nepal had thrashed Laos 9–0 and Sri Lanka 8–0, scoring a total of 20 goals — half of which came from Sabitra alone. Yet, Nepal’s most successful female footballer in history could not lead her team into the Asian Cup dream.
Uzbekistan’s women's team now joins the country’s men’s team in making football history. Just two weeks ago, the Uzbek men’s team qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Now, the women’s side has added another feather to the nation’s footballing cap.
Group 'F' included Nepal, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, and Laos. Both Nepal and Uzbekistan scored 20 goals in total, and with identical records, the group winner had to be decided via penalties — where fate favored the hosts and Nepal’s dream was left unfulfilled.
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