Nepal and Myanmar started their International Women’s Championship journey with victories at Dasharath Rangasala, Kathmandu, on Monday. Nepal won 1-0 against Kyrgyzstan, while Myanmar defeated Lebanon 3-1 in the opening match.
The stadium was packed, especially in the eastern and VIP stands, creating a loud and exciting atmosphere. The home team put early pressure on their opponents, and in the 10th minute, Bimala Chaudhary scored the only goal of the match with a header from a cross by Sabita Rana Magar. There were 7,160 fans in the stands cheering for Nepal.
Chaudhary tried to score again in the 52nd minute, but she used her hand and received a yellow card. Nepal had several chances to increase their lead, including two shots that hit the goalpost just before halftime.
Kyrgyzstan’s goalkeeper, Dilnura Abibulla Kyzy, made several crucial saves, keeping her team in the game. In the second half, Nepal’s coach, Rajendra Tamang, replaced right-back Bimala BK with striker Sabitra Bhandari, also known as Samba, to strengthen the attack. Nepal continued to create chances, but Kyrgyzstan defended well and did not allow another goal.
Although Nepal was mostly in control, Kyrgyzstan started applying more pressure in the second half. Goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba made an important save to stop an equalizer, while Nepali defenders sometimes committed fouls to break the opponents’ attacks.
In the other match, Myanmar, the top-ranked team in the tournament, secured a 3-1 victory over Lebanon. Win Theingi Tun scored a long-range goal in the 57th minute, but Lebanon quickly equalized in the 60th minute when Layla Iskandar dribbled past Myanmar’s goalkeeper and scored in an open net.
Myanmar responded strongly with two quick goals in the 73rd and 75th minutes. Shwe Yee Tun scored a header, and San Thaw Thaw netted the third goal after the goalkeeper blocked a powerful shot. Both players were brought on as substitutes at halftime, a tactical decision that worked well for coach Tetsuro Uki.
Myanmar dominated the game with 56% possession and took 34 shots, including 15 on target. In contrast, Lebanon had only three attempts. Myanmar’s goalkeeper, Myo Mya Mya Nyein, made key saves to keep the lead safe.
After winning the Player of the Match award, Phyu Phyu Win thanked the Nepali and Myanmar supporters. She admitted the team struggled in the first half due to the weather but followed the coach’s instructions in the second half to secure the win.
“We are happy to get three points. Our focus is on each match, and we aim to win,” she said about Myanmar’s goals for the tournament.
After a rest and training day, Myanmar will face Kyrgyzstan, while Nepal will play against Lebanon on February 20.
