Nepal’s U17 Women’s Football Team Prepares for Asian Cup Qualifiers
Kathmandu, Oct. 12 — Nepal’s U17 women’s football team has been preparing for the upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers after a mixed performance in the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship held in Bhutan in August. The tournament featured four teams competing in a double round-robin format.
Nepal managed to secure one win and one draw against the hosts, Bhutan. However, they faced significant defeats, losing 0-7 and 0-5 to India, and 0-3 and 1-4 to Bangladesh. Despite these challenges, the team showed resilience by securing a 2-1 victory and a 1-1 draw against Bhutan during the South Asian event.
The results did not meet expectations, and the team received criticism from Nepali football fans, as Nepal finished third in the league structure. This led to concerns about the players’ morale, especially with the team heading to Thailand for the Asian Cup qualifiers.
Focus on Improvement Over Winning
As the 23-member squad, with three changes compared to the SAFF event, departed for Thailand on Friday midnight, the focus shifted towards improvement rather than immediate success. ANFA general-secretary Kiran Rai addressed the team at their farewell event, emphasizing the importance of moving past the past and focusing on future goals.
“Although the results were mixed in the SAFF tournament, I urge you to forget the past and concentrate on the future,” Rai stated. He also acknowledged the pressure the players faced due to negative comments from fans, who naturally expect wins.
“Fans want us to win, which is understandable. But two teams cannot win a match. So, do not feel disheartened when you lose. What matters most is whether you gave your all on the field and focused on improving for the next game.”
Rai highlighted that the tournament falls under development projects recognized by FIFA and AFC. “You are preparing for bigger challenges ahead, including playing for the senior side. Therefore, focus on improving rather than winning. Performing better than before is what truly matters.”
History of the Tournament
The Asian Cup Qualifiers have a rich history. The inaugural edition was held in South Korea in 2005, featuring the U17 category. From 2007 to 2019, the event was held in the U16 category. The ninth edition, originally scheduled for 2022 in Indonesia, was canceled due to the pandemic.
In 2024, Indonesia hosted the ninth edition in the U17 category, with North Korea winning for the fourth time. The 10th edition will take place in China in 2026.
Nepal has participated in the qualifiers since 2019 but has yet to qualify for the major tournament. In the 2018 qualifiers, Nepal lost to the Philippines (0-4) and Myanmar (1-11), drawing with Malaysia (4-4). Players like Preeti Rai and Sabita Rana Magar were part of the U17 squad then.
In the 2024 qualifiers, Nepal defeated Iran 1-0 but lost 1-4 to Jordan, the hosts, in April 2023.
Managing Social Media Pressure
ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang urged the players and staff to avoid social media during this period. “Young players may struggle with the pressure of social media comments,” he said. “I have asked the coaching staff and head of delegates to regulate it.”
Nembang praised the players for their dedication, noting that they stayed for training during the Dashain festival instead of going home. “We are impressed by their commitment and hard work. They are the backbone of the nation as we aim to qualify for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
Coach and Captain’s Perspective
After the farewell function, Nepal’s U17 head coach, Chet Narayan Shrestha, spoke to journalists about his preparations for the Asian qualifiers. “We have corrected our mistakes,” he said, referring to defensive, goalkeeping, and attacking shortcomings identified during the SAFF tournament.
Shrestha made three changes to the squad: Bhupika Shahi replaced Ganga Gurung in goalkeeping, Diki Syangbo Tamang replaced Aayusha Reule in midfield, and Dikshya Ranpal replaced Puja Giri in forward positions.
“We expect to capitalize on chances in the Asian qualifiers, unlike in the South Asian event,” Shrestha added. “With proper training, the players can represent the country in the senior side in the future.”
Nepal’s captain, Bhumika Budhathoki, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well. “The whole team will coordinate effectively as we aim to qualify for the Asian Cup,” she said.
Nepal will face Turkmenistan on October 15 and Thailand on October 17 in Group F. The group toppers from eight groups will qualify for the 2026 Asian Cup.
