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Kathmandu, October 12 — Nepal secured a victory and a draw in six of the games during the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship, which took place in Bhutan in August, featuring a double round-robin format among four teams.

The victory and the draw were achieved against the host nation, whereas Nepal faced 0-7 and 0-5 losses against India, and 0-3 and 1-4 defeats against Bangladesh. They secured a 2-1 win and a 1-1 draw against Bhutan in the South Asian competition.

The outcomes did not benefit the young players; similarly, the feedback from Nepali football supporters regarding their play was unfavorable, as the nation secured third place in the league.

Meanwhile, less than two months later, as the 23-player team, featuring three modifications from the SAFF competition, departed for Thailand on Friday night for the Asian Cup qualifiers, the pressure has increased.

A mixed outcome was seen in the SAFF tournament,” said ANFA general-secretary Kiran Rai during the team’s farewell event at the ANFA Complex on Friday afternoon. “However, I would like to recommend that you [players and coaches] all put the past behind and concentrate on the future.

Rai also stated that he believed the players and coaching team were feeling anxious because of the negative remarks from Nepali football fans, who, in his view, desired victories just like any other supporters.

Supporters want us to win. It’s understandable,” Rai said. “However, two teams cannot win a football game. Therefore, please don’t be upset when you lose. The most important thing is whether you gave your best on the field or not, and whether you concentrated on correcting your errors in the upcoming match or not.

Rai also noted that the young players were involved in the tournament, which, according to FIFA and the AFC, is categorized as a ‘development initiative.’

You [players] are getting ready for a greater challenge that will arise when you play with the senior team,” Rai added. “That’s why each of you should concentrate on growing rather than just winning. You must perform better than you have in the past; that’s what is most important.

The first edition in South Korea in 2005 featured the competition in the U17 category. Nevertheless, the event, held every two years, was conducted under the U16 category from its second edition in 2007 until the eighth one in 2019. The ninth edition, planned for 2022 in Indonesia, was intended to be in the U17 category but was canceled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

When the event made a return in 2024, Indonesia organized the ninth edition under the U17 category, which was claimed by North Korea for the fourth time, tying with Japan as the highest joint record. The main event in 2026, hosted by China, will mark the 10th edition of the competition.

Meanwhile, Nepal, which began taking part in the qualifiers in 2019, has yet to secure a spot in the major competition. Nepal, who hosted the qualifiers in September 2018, suffered two defeats against the Philippines (0-4) and Myanmar (1-11), while managing a draw with a 4-4 scoreline against Malaysia. Players such as Preeti Rai and Sabita Rana Magar were part of the U17 team in 2018.

In the 2024 tournament qualifiers, Nepal secured a 1-0 victory over Iran but suffered a 1-4 defeat against Jordan, the host nation, in April 2023.

Since the outcomes and feedback have not been positive for the young players, ANFA’s President Pankaj Bikram Nembang recommended that the players and team members avoid social media for now.

What I believe is that you [players] aren’t capable of dealing with social media comments at such a young age,” Nembang emphasized, as most ANFA officials on the stage were either engaged in conversations, scrolling their phones, or appearing drowsy. “I have requested the coaching staff and the head of delegates to manage it.

Nembang commended the players’ commitment to enhance their skills by remaining for training instead of returning home during the Dashain festival. “We are impressed by the players’ decision not to go home for Dashain, a festival where family members come together to celebrate,” he stated. “We also recognize the dedication of the players who have managed to secure a spot in the team among hundreds of applicants. However, you all need to exert more effort now, as you represent the backup squad for the nation with the goal of participating in the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

What do the trainer and team leader mention?

As the official farewell event ended, Nepal’s U17 coach, Chet Narayan Shrestha, who guided the team to the SAFF tournament in August, found himself surrounded by reporters. When questioned about how he prepared the team for a major competition just over a month away, Shrestha responded, “We have addressed our errors.”

The errors, according to Shrestha, were the deficiencies in defense, goalkeeping, and attack. In general, Shrestha indicated that the team aimed to enhance performance across all areas.

In contrast to the SAFF tournament, Shrestha has made three adjustments to the 23-player team—Bhupika Shahi has taken over from Ganga Gurung in the goalkeeper role, Diki Syangbo Tamang has replaced Aayusha Reule in midfield, and Dikshya Ranpal has come in for Puja Giri in the forward line.

We anticipate making the most of the opportunities we generate in the Asian qualifiers, ensuring we don’t overlook them as we did in the South Asian competition,” Shrestha mentioned. “The players are young, but I am confident, with appropriate training and support, they can go on to represent the nation at the senior level in the future.

Shrestha stated that his team was eager to defeat Thailand, which came in third place in the 2005 Asian Cup and fourth in 2013 and 2015, along with Turkmenistan. Thailand, ranked 53rd, is higher than Nepal, which is 89th, in the FIFA Women’s Ranking, whereas Turkmenistan is placed 138th.

We are highly driven, and the training sessions have been very successful,” said Bhumika Budhathoki, captain of Nepal, on Friday. “The entire team will work together on the field as we strive to qualify for the Asian Cup.

Nepal is set to play against Turkmenistan on October 15 and Thailand on October 17 within Group F. The top teams from the eight groups will advance to the 2026 Asian Cup.