Nepal Aims to Secure Group Winner Spot with Draw Against Sri Lanka

Kathmandu – In the ongoing SAFF Women’s Championship 2026 in Goa, India, Nepal is set to face Sri Lanka today in their second and final group stage match. The match between Nepal and Sri Lanka will kick off at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 4:45 PM. Placed in Group A, Nepal won their opening match against Bhutan 1–0, while Sri Lanka suffered a 4–0 defeat to Bhutan.

Led by captain Anjila Tumbapo, the Nepalese team aims to defeat Sri Lanka to top the group. However, a draw will also be sufficient for Nepal to become group leaders. For Sri Lanka, a victory over Nepal is essential to advance to the semifinals.

Regular captain and top scorer Savita Bhandari (Samba) is currently sidelined due to a knee injury and is recovering post-surgery. Similarly, Sabita Ranamagar is also out due to injury. Preeti Rai, playing in the Cambodian league, missed the first game against Bhutan due to travel. Despite the absence of these key players, Nepal scored the only goal against Bhutan through defender Geeta Rana.

Nepal’s frontline, featuring Rashmi Kumari Ghising, Rekha Paudel, young forwards Mina Deuwa, and Purnima Rai, have an opportunity to score against Sri Lanka and prepare for the semifinals.

Currently, both Nepal and Bhutan have three points each. Bhutan has completed two matches and leads the group on goal difference. Meanwhile, in Group B, defending champions Bangladesh and host nation India will face off tonight at 7:45 PM. Both teams have already secured semifinal spots by defeating Maldives. This match will determine the winner of Group B.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals scheduled for June 3, with the final set for June 5. This marks the eighth edition of the SAFF Women’s Championship. India holds the record with five titles, while Bangladesh are the defending champions, having won the last two editions. Despite reaching six finals, Nepal has yet to clinch the championship title.