Tri-Nation International: India Women suffer 0-2 defeat to Nepal in second friendly

The Indian senior women’s team suffered a 1-2 defeat to Nepal in their second match of the Women’s Tri-Nation International Friendlies at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Monday.

A brace from Nepali forward Sabitra Bhandari (2′, 63′) put the visitors ahead, before Karishma Shirvoikar (81′) pulled one back late in the second half to score her first-ever goal for the senior national team.

Nepal got off to an early start to the match as Sabitra was put through on goal in the second minute herself, chasing a bouncing ball before driving it over Indian goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu to give her side the early advantage.

One goal behind, India began their search for a way back into the match, with Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi calling the shots from midfield. Her powerful shot from outside the penalty area after fifteen minutes was tipped over the bar by Anjana Rana Magar. A few minutes later, the Indian midfielder’s low free-kick on target was also saved.

India’s best chance of the first half came in the 32nd minute, when Grace Dangmei darted to the right and sent a low center towards Lynda Kom Serto. Although the latter could not reach the cross, the ball fell to Sangita Basfore, who knocked the cross over.

As the Blue Tigresses attacked, their backline had to remain vigilant against the threats Nepal posed on the counter. Hemam Shilky Devi produced a gritty sliding tackle to block Sabitra’s effort in the 35th minute.

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Just before the half-time whistle, Panthoi bravely stepped out of her line and produced a save after Sabitra was again played in behind the Indian defense.

India continued to search for the goal in the second half, but it was Nepal who managed to double their lead. Sabitra again showed her quality when she took a free-kick from close range in the 63rd minute and produced a shot that curled and dived into the top corner, just out of Panthoi’s reach.

Despite the second goal, India, playing against a relatively younger side, continued to look for the target. Striker Pyari Xaxa was played through on the right by Nirmala, but Anjana rushed out of her line to collect the ball.

India finally found the net in the 81st minute, when Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi’s free-kick bounced over Nepal’s backline and landed kindly for substitute Karishma Shirvoikar to sneak past the goalkeeper.

The Blue Tigresses applied pressure in the closing stages but Nepal held on to their slim lead and sealed the result.

Published on October 27, 2025