Nepal vs Sri Lanka: Second Group F Clash in AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers

Nepal take on Sri Lanka today in their second Group F match of the ongoing AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers, being held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The match kicks off at 6:15 PM Nepali time at the Bunyodkor Stadium.

Fresh off a commanding 9-0 win over Laos in their opening game, the Nepali women’s team enters the match full of confidence. That game was Nepal’s 100th international appearance and marked a powerful debut for new captain Sabitra Bhandari Samba, who scored four goals.

It was also the first match for newly appointed head coach Patrick De Wilde, who handed debuts to players like Sarawati Hamal and chose Anjana Rana Magar over regular keeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba in goal. Late-game substitutions saw Preeti Rai, Rekha Paudel, and Puja Rana come on, hinting that the coach is testing different combinations early on.

With the final group match against hosts Uzbekistan looming, team strategy could remain flexible. Uzbekistan are considered the strongest team in the group and recently defeated Sri Lanka 10-0. Currently ranked 51st in the FIFA Women’s Rankings, Uzbekistan is far ahead of Nepal (100th) and Sri Lanka (159th).

Nepal has a perfect record against Sri Lanka, winning all 8 previous encounters. Another victory today would not only boost morale but also help with goal difference—potentially crucial in deciding the group winner.

The top team in Group F will secure a spot in the 2025 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia and gain access to other major international competitions. If both Nepal and Uzbekistan win their second matches, the final game between them will decide who qualifies.