Nepal Reach SAFF Women’s Championship Semi-Finals as Group A Winners

Nepal secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 SAFF Women’s Championship on Sunday after finishing as the winner of Group A with a 2-0 victory over Sri Lanka.

The win, Nepal’s second consecutive triumph in the tournament, also ensured Bhutan’s progression to the last four.

Nepal topped the group with six points from two matches, while Bhutan finished second with three points. Sri Lanka ended its campaign without a point after losing both of its group-stage matches.

Rashmi Kumari Ghising gave Nepal the lead in the second minute of first-half stoppage time. Left unmarked inside the penalty area, she calmly converted a pass from Rekha Paudel to open the scoring.

Captain Renuka Nagarkote doubled Nepal’s advantage in the 60th minute with a superb chipped effort from outside the penalty area. The goal marked her first-ever international goal for Nepal.

The match also saw Birsana Chaudhary make her debut for the national team. She came on as a second-half substitute, replacing Deepa Shahi.

Despite securing top spot in Group A, Nepal’s semi-final opponent has yet to be determined. The final Group B match between two-time defending champions Bangladesh and India later on Sunday will decide the group winner and complete the semi-final lineup.