Nepal Women’s Team to Play Two Friendlies Football in Thailand

The Nepali women’s national football team is scheduled to leave for Thailand on Wednesday at 1:30 PM to play two friendly matches.

However, only 21 players will travel from Nepal. According to the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), forwards Sabitra Bhandari ‘Samba’ and Rekha Paudel—who are playing football abroad—will join the team directly in Thailand.

Sabitra Bhandari had signed with Guingamp, a top-division club in France, in January 2024. Her team finished 10th out of 12 in the previous season with 16 points from 22 matches and avoided relegation.
But this season, Guingamp was relegated early, finishing last with only 9 points. Sabitra scored 6 goals, including a hat-trick and two goals against PSG, but her efforts weren’t enough to keep the team in the top division.

Meanwhile, striker Rekha Paudel is playing professional football in the United Arab Emirates for Abu Dhabi Country Club.

Nepal will play against Thailand in Bangkok on May 30 and June 2. Only the second match will be officially recognized as an international match.

These games are part of Nepal’s preparation for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers.