Kathmandu, 27 February: Thirteen finals, thirteen defeats, and still no trophy. It may sound unbelievable, but for Nepali football fans, this is a painful reality.
At this point, the Nepali women’s football team has earned the unfortunate label of “the unlucky finalists.” Reaching the final 13 times without ever lifting the trophy is a heartbreaking streak that refuses to be broken.
Having already lost 12 finals in the past, the Nepalese women’s team played their 13th final on Wednesday evening on home soil. However, history did not change, and the result remained the same. The 16,000 fans in the stadium, along with millions watching from home and abroad, were left heartbroken.
In the first half, Nepal dominated the opposition. However, in the second half, they lost their momentum. Within just three minutes, they conceded two goals, crushing their dreams once again. To be fair, Myanmar is nearly 50 places ahead of Nepal in the FIFA rankings. Still, after holding Myanmar to a 2-2 draw in the league stage, fans had believed that Nepal could turn the final in their favor.
But belief alone could not change the outcome, and Nepal’s dream of lifting the trophy remained unfulfilled. This was Nepal’s third consecutive defeat in a final played on home soil. Previously, Nepal lost the finals of the 2022 and 2024 SAFF Womens Championships by 3-1 and 2-1, respectively.
A Tournament of Hope, Not Just Heartbreak
Despite falling short in the final, this tournament was far from a failure for Nepal. The team showcased immense potential and fighting spirit.
Midfielder Renuka Nagarkoti, named the tournament’s Best Player, controlled the game beautifully. Despite her small stature, Preeti Rai dazzled with her magical footwork. And Sabitra Bhandari? Her performances left no words sufficient for praise.
Nepal may have lost the trophy, but they won something more significant—belief. The heartbreak of defeat lingers, but the door to new possibilities has been pushed wide open. Tournaments like these are vital stepping stones toward greater success.
The Rise of Women’s Football in Nepal
One of the biggest takeaways from this tournament was the overwhelming support from fans. The packed stands and passionate cheers proved that the love for football in Nepal is alive and thriving.
At a time when interest in men’s football has slightly waned, the women’s team is bringing fresh energy to the sport. In fact, a new question is emerging—could women’s football soon surpass men’s football in popularity? Time will tell.
The Road Ahead: Aiming for the World Cup
Now is not the time for disappointment. Now is the time for bigger ambitions. The dream of playing in the FIFA World Cup is no longer far-fetched.
The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) is already on a mission to push Nepalese football to the next level. With a dedicated squad full of passion and potential, the focus must now shift to competing on the global stage.
To ANFA’s credit, their recent efforts in women’s football have been commendable. They have successfully organized two editions of the domestic league and arranged friendlies against higher-ranked teams. Now, the challenge is to build on this momentum, expand these initiatives, and ensure Nepal continues its upward trajectory in world football.
Nepal’s moment will come. And when it does, the long years of heartbreak will make the victory even sweeter
