Starting Monday, the Dasharatha Stadium in Kathmandu will host the Four-Nation International Women’s Championship. The tournament features Nepal, Myanmar, Lebanon, and Kyrgyzstan, making it a significant event for women’s football in Nepal.
This is the first time Nepal is hosting an international women’s football tournament with teams from outside South Asia. Previously, Nepal organized the SAFF Women’s Championship three times, and Vietnam played in Nepal during the Olympic qualifiers.
Match Details
📅 Match Date: February 19, 2025 (Nepal vs Kyrgyzstan)
⏰ Kick-off Time: 6:00 PM (Nepali Time)
📍 Venue: Dasharatha Stadium, Kathmandu
A New Opportunity
This tournament marks an important step for Nepali women’s football. Myanmar, the highest-ranked team, is ahead of Nepal in the FIFA rankings, while Lebanon and Kyrgyzstan are ranked lower. The tournament also features players competing in professional leagues across the world, from Australia and the U.S. to France and Denmark.
For Nepali fans, it’s a rare opportunity to witness high-level international players in action. Captain Anjila Tumbapo Subba acknowledged the significance of the event, thanking the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) for organizing it. “This is a big opportunity for us. Playing another tournament right after SAFF is great for both the team and our supporters,” she said.
Head coach Rajendra Tamang is confident in Nepal’s preparations, stating that the team has improved, especially in defense, and is ready to compete strongly. Nepal was the runner-up in both the WAFF Championship in Saudi Arabia and the SAFF Championship in Kathmandu last year.
Nepal’s Previous Encounters
Nepal has played against all three teams before.
- Myanmar: Faced three times, with Nepal managing one draw and two losses.
- Lebanon: Defeated Lebanon 2-1 in last year’s WAFF Championship semifinal.
- Kyrgyzstan: Last played in the 2019 Nadezhda Cup, where Nepal won 8-2. However, the Kyrgyz squad has changed significantly since then.
Opponents’ Views on the Tournament
Myanmar’s head coach, Tetsuro Uki, expressed excitement about playing in Nepal, emphasizing that his team respects Nepal’s strength. Myanmar is the highest-ranked team in the tournament at 55th in the FIFA rankings, while Nepal is 103rd, Kyrgyzstan 128th, and Lebanon 134th.
Lebanon’s coach, Wael Gharzeddine, sees the tournament as crucial preparation for the Asian Women’s Qualifiers. Most of Lebanon’s players are based in foreign leagues.
Kyrgyzstan has brought a young squad, with all players born in 2002 or later. Their captain, Dilnura Abibulla Kyzy, aims to gain valuable experience but also hopes to compete for the title.
Tournament Format
The competition follows a single round-robin format, where each team plays three matches. The top two teams will advance to the final on February 26.
This tournament provides Nepal with a chance to test itself against strong opponents while continuing its progress in women’s football. Fans will get to witness competitive matches, and Nepal will aim to make the most of its home advantage.
