GOA: The Nepali National Women’s Football Team is fully prepared to clash with Bangladesh in the semifinals of the Women’s SAFF Championship, the biggest tournament in South Asia.

In the nearly 16-year journey of this championship since its inception in 2010, Nepal has always reached the semifinals. However, despite finishing as runners-up several times, the title has remained frustratingly out of reach.

Lately, it is Bangladesh that has consistently blocked Nepal’s path to glory.

For the past five years, Nepal has suffered a string of defeats against Bangladesh. While Nepal dominated the fixture from the beginning until 2021, the tide has since turned.

Historical statistics show that out of 13 total meetings, Nepal holds a slight edge with six victories, Bangladesh has claimed five, and two matches ended in a draw.

The rivalry has intensified in recent finals. Bangladesh defeated Nepal to lift the trophy in 2022, and repeated the feat in the 2024 edition to claim back-to-back titles.

Seeking sweet revenge for those heartbreaking losses, Nepal takes on Bangladesh today at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 PM local time.

Nepali Head Coach Nabin Neupane stated that his squad is both physically and mentally primed. While the players battled extreme heat and humidity in Goa during their opening match, he noted that they have successfully acclimated to the conditions.

Coach Neupane acknowledged that the upcoming clash will be their toughest test yet. “Bangladesh is a strong team. To give them a tough fight, we must play with maximum energy and discipline,” he said.

The team’s morale has received a massive boost with the arrival of star midfielder Preeti Rai. Having recently played professionally in Cambodia, Preeti is expected to handle the humid weather effortlessly. Her creative presence will be vital.

“Preeti’s greatest strength is her distribution; she creates lethal opportunities. In this next match, we must clinical in finishing those chances, or it will be difficult for us,” Neupane added.

Preeti arrived in Goa just two days ago specifically for the knockout rounds. Tactically, the coach plans to implement an organized, compact defensive shape while looking to strike swiftly on the counter-attack.

He also noted that training has focused heavily on improving crosses from the left flank, correcting an over-reliance on right-wing attacks seen in previous games.

Despite a short three-week preparation window, Neupane believes the squad’s fitness is right where it needs to be.

Analyzing the opponents, he noted that Bangladesh is currently in a transitional phase, mixing seasoned veterans with fresh talent.

“They haven’t quite hit their peak performance yet, but they are physically very powerful. We must play with absolute caution,” he said.

The team is also counting on the vocal backing of Nepali fans. “Our daughters need that support. The love from the crowd gives them a completely different level of energy. We are stepping onto that pitch with only one goal: winning and reaching the final,” Neupane added.

Nepal secured its spot in the final four by topping Group A. They opened their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bhutan before brushing aside Sri Lanka 2-0 in the group finale.

The match against Sri Lanka featured a historic milestone for veteran midfielder Renuka Nagarkoti. Wearing the captain’s armband, Nagarkoti—who has been with the national team since the very first SAFF Championship—scored her first-ever international goal in spectacular fashion. In the 60th minute, she unleashed a stunning chip from 22 yards out to seal the 2-0 win.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh advanced as the runners-up of Group B after defeating the Maldives but falling to group winners India.

The six-nation tournament has now narrowed down to Nepal, Bangladesh, India, and Bhutan.

As Group A winners, Nepal faces Group B runners-up Bangladesh, while Group B winners India will take on Group A runners-up Bhutan in the second semifinal later tonight at 8:00 PM.

With Sri Lanka and the Maldives headed home, the stage is set.

After 16 years of coming agonizingly close only to return empty-handed, this Nepali squad steps onto the pitch today determined to finally change history.