… the team played a better game yesterday 

Thinley Namgay   

Bhutan’s under (U)-20 national women’s football team lost to Nepal 0-4 in the ongoing 2023 South Asian Football Federation’s (SAFF) U-20 championship yesterday at BSSS Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

This is the second consecutive loss for Bhutan after a 12-0 thrashing by India. The first-half score was 2-0 for Nepal. The team added two more goals in the next half.

Physically, players from both Bhutan and Nepal look compatible, but technically, Nepal was in a better position yesterday.

Nepal’s wingers and midfielders were quick and decisive. Nepal, on February 3 also challenged host Bangladesh although the team lost 3-1.




Compared to the match against India on February 3, Bhutan played a better game yesterday, creating some goal-scoring opportunities and intercepting a few tactical moves from the opponents.

The game also witnessed improved ball possession maintained by Bhutan on a few occasions. Bhutan’s skipper and goalkeeper, Sonam Pelden played her role well and saved some goals.

However, Bhutan was unable to find the net. Nepal was quick to capitalise on their chances.

Bhutan’s defenders were not able to halt Nepal’s striker Amisha Karki. She was a game-changer yesterday. Amisha Karki scored a hattrick in the 18th, 46th and 62nd minutes by easily surpassing the defenders.




These goals could have been easily saved if the Bhutanese defenders were swift enough to tackle her.

Bhutan also lost its pass precision most of the time and one of the biggest setbacks was that the players were unable to cover their respective position which created chances for the opponent.

Bhutan will play its last game of the league against host Bangladesh on February 7.

India and Bangladesh are two promising teams in the tournament. Many say these two teams will play the final on February 9.