The Indian women’s team loses to Nepal on penalties in a practice match

The Indian women’s team lost a practice match with Nepal 0-3 on penalties at a packed Paljor Stadium in Gangtok on Wednesday, after the match ended 1-1 in regular time.

The practice match, organized by the Sikkim Football Association, witnessed a packed house and thousands of fans cheering as the Blue Tigresses played in Sikkim for the first time. However, this match was not an official FIFA friendly match and does not count towards FIFA ranking points.

Entry to the match was free so that football fans from all over Sikkim and adjoining districts could enjoy the match.

For India, head coach Crispin Chettri had a completely new starting XI after Monday’s match against Nepal in the Tri-Nation Friendly in Shillong. Only Santosh and Malati Munda were part of that matchday squad, although both remained there as unused substitutes. While Nepal traveled with the same matchday squad, head coach Nabin Neupane retained only one starter from the previous match.

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India struck in the 30th minute when Soumya Guguloth intercepted a misplaced pass from Nisha Thokar in the attacking third, drove into the penalty area and calmly fired into the bottom corner from twelve yards to give the hosts the lead.

As half time approached, the game became more physical, but Nepal managed to equalize just before the whistle. Rashmi Kumari Ghising headed home from Anita Basnet’s corner in the second minute of extra time, her effort bouncing off the ground and into the net.

Nepali substitute Sabita Rana Magar fired a half-volley over the crossbar in the 79th minute as the match ended 1-1 in regular time.

The practice match went straight into penalties, with Nepal beating India 3-0. Sabita Rana Magar, Rashmi Kumari Ghising and Nisha Thokar scored for Nepal, while Priyadharshini Selladurai, Santosh and Astam Oraon missed for India, while substitute Anjana Rana Magar saved two tries.

Published on October 30, 2025