KATHMANDU: Nepal will take on Chinese Taipei today in the ongoing tri-nation international women’s friendly football tournament. The match is scheduled for 7:30 PM local time.
Chinese Taipei, considered a stronger side, is ranked higher than Nepal in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings. While Chinese Taipei stands at 42nd position, Nepal sits at 89th.
Chinese Taipei, which began participating in international women’s football in 1977, won the AFC Women’s Asian Cup title three times consecutively, in 1977, 1979, and 1981. Nepal, active in international competitions since 1986, has also played in the Asian Cup but has not progressed beyond the group stage.
Nepal’s head coach Navin Neupane expressed confidence that his team can deliver an impressive performance despite the strength of the opponents. He added that, as Nepal is currently preparing for the upcoming SAFF Championship, injured players will be rested, and new players will be given opportunities. “If needed, everyone will be fielded,” he said.
Team captain Anjila Tumbapo Subba said the players are mentally and physically prepared for the match.
In the first match of the series on November 26, Nepal suffered a 2-1 defeat against Indonesia. Meanwhile, Chinese Taipei registered a commanding 5-0 victory over Indonesia heading into today’s fixture.
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