Nepal striker Anulama scored the first hat-trick of the tournament and skipper Jamuna Gurang netted two goal as the Himalayan nation overwhelmed Maldives 6-0 in the opening game of the first ever SAFF Women’s Football Championship at the Cox’s Bazar stadium on Sunday.
Nepal started creating chances from the very beginning. Jamuna found Maldives goalkeeper Amina Liza alone under the bar after pass from Anulama, but her fierce left-foot drive failed to beat an acrobatic Liza in the sixth minute.
The Himalayan nation’s midfielder Laxmi Kumari’s long range effort from 30 yards hit the cross piece in the 16th minute.
Finally, star of the day Anulama broke the deadlock with a powerful right-footer from a Chandra Devi through pass in the 21st minute.
Anulama was on target again in the 35th minute when she headed home a Dipa Adhikari corner from the right-hand side to double the lead.
Maldives went for the breather three goals down after they conceded a suicidal one in the 42nd minute. Nepal’s Promila Rai jumped highest to connect a Laxmi Kumari left-side corner shot while a Maldives defender leaped for the ball as well. The ball touched the defender’s head before rolling into the post.
Nepal’s captain Jamuna was impressive throughout the match but she got her first goal in the 49th minute. She juggled the ball twice to dodge opponent defender Naima before placing it into post. It was Anulama who created the opportunity providing a good cross.
Jamuna scored again in the 64th minute with a solo effort. She penetrated into the opposition penalty area after a defensive mix-up and finished off coolly from close range to make it 5-0.
Anulama created history by achieving the first treble of the ever first SAFF Women’s Football Championship in the 68th minute. She sealed the match with simple tap-in from a Dipa square pass into the penalty zone.
Earlier, FIFA and AFC women’s wing chairperson Worawi Makudi inaugurated tournament. Swedish superstar Johanna Frisk and SAFF president Kazi Salahuddin along with other FIFA, AFC, SAFF, BFF and local football stalwarts were present on the occasion.
Hosts Bangladesh will take on Sri Lanka in the second match today while India and Bhutan will fight in the first game at the same venue.
