Sabitra Bhandari Ruled Out with ACL Injury

Nepal women’s national football team captain and striker Sabitra Bhandari, popularly known as “Samba,” has suffered a serious injury.

Currently playing for Wellington Phoenix in Australia’s A-League Women, Bhandari will miss the remainder of the season due to a severe knee injury. She sustained the injury in the second half of a match against Brisbane Roar after colliding with the goalkeeper, resulting in an ACL tear in her right knee.

Following an MRI scan, the club confirmed that her previous ACL graft has been re-torn. Bhandari had earlier undergone surgery on the same knee in 2021. She is now expected to be sidelined for nine to twelve months.

Wellington Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman said Samba is not only an outstanding player but also a much-loved person within the team, adding that the squad is deeply saddened by her injury. She also noted that Bhandari has shown strong determination to make a quick return to the field.