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Nepal take on Iran in Hero Women’s Gold Cup football tournament
Nepal will take on Iran in their last group match of the Hero Women’s Gold Cup football tournament with a place in the final at stake in Bhubaneswar, India, on Wednesday.Sports Bureau
Nepal will take on Iran in their last group match of the Hero Women’s Gold Cup football tournament with a place in the final at stake in Bhubaneswar, India, on Wednesday.
Nepal defeated hosts India 2-1 on Monday for their first ever victory in 10 encounters over their neighbours since the two sides played for the first time during 2010 SAFF Women’s Championships. Star forward Sabitra Bhandari struck both the goals for Nepal in the fifth and seventh minutes before Ratanbala Devi pulled one back in the 84th.
Nepal, who lost 3-0 in their opening match against Myanmar—arguably the favourite team in the four-team tournament—will go for win against Iran to strengthen their bid for the final as the group winners and runners-up play for the title. Myanmar, who defeated Iran 2-0 on Monday, occupy the top position in the standings with six points, three points ahead of hosts India and Nepal.
Iran, defeated in both their matches, are yet to open their account. For Nepal to earn a berth in the final, they require to beat Iran first and await the result between India and Myanmar.
Nepal could qualify on their own if they beat Iran and India lose or draw against Myanmar. If both Nepal and India come up with identical results, the team with best goal difference will advance.