KATHMANDU: Nepal began their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign with a resounding 9–0 win over Laos at Pakhtakor Stadium in Uzbekistan.

Captain Sabitra Bhandari, also known as ‘Samba’, delivered a sensational performance, scoring five goals—including Nepal’s final goal in the 88th minute—during her first match as team captain.

Anita Basnet, Rashmi Kumari Ghising, Anita KC, and Saru Limbu each found the net to complete Nepal’s dominant display and secure all three points in Group F.

The match also marked a historic milestone as Nepal’s 100th international appearance in women’s football, and Bhandari became the 11th captain in the team’s history.