KATHMANDU: The Nepali national women’s football team, securing the runners-up title in the WAFF Women’s Championship held in Saudi Arabia, arrived back in Nepal on Friday night.

The team was warmly welcomed at Tribhuvan International Airport, with Pankaj Vikram Nembang, President of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), and General Secretary Kiran Rai, among others, extending their greetings.

This marked Nepal’s inaugural participation in the WAFF Women’s Championship.

In the final held in Jeddah on Thursday, Nepal faced a 5-3 defeat to Jordan in a penalty shootout, securing their position as runners-up.

Captain and goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba, along with Geeta Rana – who temporarily left Sethu FC to represent the national team – have already departed for India to participate in the Indian Women’s League.

Players Priti Rai and Deepa Shahi from Kickstart FC, along with Rasmi Kumari Ghising and Amrita Jaisi from Sports Odyssey, have returned with the national team.

Sabitri Bhandari, the top scorer of the WAFF Championship and a forward for the Nepali team, was absent in the final due to her prior commitments with the French club Guingamp. Her contractual obligations led to her non-participation in the crucial match against Jordan.