Iran beats Nepal to win the Women’s Tri-Nation tournament in Shillong

Iran were crowned winners of the Women’s Tri-Nation International Friendlies after back-to-back wins over India and Nepal in Shillong.

The country recorded a dominant 3-0 win over Nepal at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday, days after beating hosts India 2-0. With these two victories, Iran secured an unassailable lead in the standings with six points.

India and Nepal will meet in the final friendly match on October 27.

Substitute Sara Didar started where she left off in the last match against the Blue Tigers, opening the scoring in the 49th minute. Iran’s second and third goals were scored by Zahra Ghanbari (52′) and Shabnam Behesht (57′ respectively).

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In the first half, which ended goalless, Nepal’s backline showed discipline against Iran, ranked 70th in the world, as they dominated possession.

Just three minutes into the second half, Didar – who had scored a goal against India – collected a long ball from goalkeeper Raha Yazdani, fired past defender Bimala BK and coolly slotted past goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba to give Iran a 1-0 lead.

Three minutes later, Ghanbari doubled the lead with an excellently executed free kick from the right flank. Her curling delivery completely outwitted Subba and settled into the top right corner.

Iran’s third came in the 57th minute and was the best choice. Behesht unleashed a stunning left-footed strike from twenty yards, a rising effort that flew past Subba with speed and precision.

Published on October 24, 2025