Purnima Rai scores four goals as Nepal crushes Bhutan in SAFF U-20 Women’s opener

Purnima Rai delivered a stunning performance by scoring four goals in Nepal’s 6-1 victory over Bhutan in the opening match of the SAFF U-20 Women’s Championship held in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Her first goal came in the 18th minute. Barsha Oli sent in a low cross from the right, and Purnima finished it with a one-touch strike from inside the six-yard box, doubling Nepal’s lead to 2-0.

She scored her second goal in the 53rd minute, just moments after Bhutan had pulled one back. With perfect timing, Purnima capitalized on a defensive lapse and placed the ball into the net to make it 4-1.

Purnima completed her hat-trick in the 83rd minute. Positioned well inside the box, she calmly slotted in a loose ball past the keeper, making it 5-1 for Nepal.

Her fourth and final goal came in the 88th minute. After receiving a through ball, she broke past the Bhutanese defense and sent the ball into the bottom corner, sealing Nepal’s dominant 6-1 win.

Purnima now leads the tournament goal chart with four goals in a single match, giving Nepal a strong start in the championship.