KATHMAND: Nepal’s national women’s football team member, Sabitra Bhandari, known as ‘Samba,’ has kicked off her football journey in the French League.

Samba made her debut for French club En Avant Guingamp on Saturday, marking the beginning of her venture into the upper echelons of European football.

Samba started on the bench in the match against Bordeaux. However, due to inclusion in the team lineup, she got an opportunity as a substitute player. In the 75th minute, she stepped onto the field, becoming the first Nepali player to participate in a French League game.

The match against Bordeaux ended in a 1-1 draw. This debut not only signifies a milestone for Samba personally but also establishes her as the first Nepali woman football player to compete in the French League.

Guingamp officially confirmed Samba’s inclusion on Friday.

Before joining Guingamp, Samba had played for Hapoel Ra’anana AFC in Israel, contributing to Nepali football’s representation in the European football scene.