Kathmandu : Nepal has made a flying start defeating Kyrgyzstan by 1-0 in the first match of the International Women’s Championship held on the home ground.

In the 10th minute of the game held at Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwar, Bimala Chaudhary gave Nepal an early lead with a header goal off a cross from Sabita Rana Magar. The only goal scored by Chaudhary became decisive for Nepal to win over Kyrgyzstan.

Earlier, in the sixth minute, Rekha Paudel’s shot was punched by Kyrgyzstan’s goalkeeper. In the rebound, Sabita Rana Magar’s attempt went wide from near the first bar.

In the 21st minute, Sabita’s cross was shot by Rashmi Kumari Ghising wide from near the first bar.

In the 27th minute, Priti Rai’s shot was saved by Kyrgyzstan’s goalkeeper. In the 30th minute, Rekha Paudel’s powerful shot was saved by the goalkeeper.

In the injury time of the first half, Rashmi Kumari Ghising’s shot hit the crossbar and went out. Rekha Paudel took control of the ball and shot at the post but the defender cleared it.

None of the teams scored any goals in the second half. Despite many opportunities, Nepal could not covert them into scores due to lack of finishing. 

With the win, Nepal is in second place in the table with 3 points. Myanmar is in the top spot with the same 3 points. In the first match played today, Myanmar defeated Lebanon 3-1.

Preeti Rai was named the best player of the match.

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