KATHMANDU: Nepal secured a narrow 1–0 win against Saudi Arabia in the AFC Women’s U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers, thanks to a decisive goal from Sukriya Miya.

The match, played on Friday at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, was the second Group ‘A’ fixture for Nepal.

Despite Saudi Arabia being considered one of the weaker teams in the group, Nepal faced stiff resistance and had to work hard for the victory. Sukriya’s second-half goal proved enough to seal the win.

Earlier, in their opening match, Nepal had played out a 1–1 draw against host nation Bhutan.

The Nepali side had taken an early lead in that game, with Senu Pariyar scoring in the very first minute. However, they were unable to maintain the advantage, as Bhutan equalized in the 18th minute through Kelden Wangmo.

That draw had placed added pressure on Nepal going into the Saudi Arabia fixture, especially since Saudi had suffered a crushing 15–0 defeat to North Korea in their first match.

Group ‘A’ of the qualifiers features Nepal, Bhutan, North Korea, and Saudi Arabia.

All of Nepal’s matches, including the one against Saudi Arabia, are being played at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu. A total of 32 teams is competing in this year’s AFC Women’s U-20 Asian Cup qualification tournament.