What went wrong for Nepal in SAFF Women’s Championship in Goa

Nepal's golden generation of women's footballers returned home from the SAFF Championship in Goa, India, with heads bowed and spirits low after a 1-2 semifinal loss to Bangladesh. This defeat marked only the second time in eight editions that Nepal failed to reach the final, raising concerns about a potential 40-year international title drought for the team, which played its first international match in 1986.

The team's performance in Goa exposed underlying issues and a shifting competitive balance in South Asian women's football. Nepal narrowly escaped defeat against Bhutan in the group stage and secured a win against Sri Lanka thanks to a rare goal from Renuka Nagarkote. However, the team's struggles contrasted sharply with the progress of emerging nations. Bhutan held India to a 1-0 scoreline in the other semifinal, and the Maldives demonstrated significant improvement by coming back from a two-goal deficit against Bangladesh, showcasing a growing challenge to Nepal's traditional dominance.

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With great sadness, we have reached a point where we must leave our own home. When you realise that the values and principles you carry can no longer be fulfilled within the house you live in, you must have the courage to leave and build another one.

Internal turmoil within Nepali football significantly hampered the team's preparation. The sport was under state suspension and faced the threat of an international ban from FIFA, forcing Nepal to withdraw from a FIFA Series tournament. This instability meant players were denied consistent training opportunities, including the postponement of the Martyr’s Memorial ANFA Women’s League due to ongoing disputes between the football association and the state. Players expressed that they were not mentally prepared for the SAFF tournament, citing the uncertainty surrounding potential withdrawals. Furthermore, the team's composition, particularly in attack and defense, appeared to lack sufficient depth and effective alternatives, contributing to their semifinal exit.

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A party split requires at least 40 percent support either in the Central Committee or the parliamentary party. Dhawalji and his colleagues have quit voluntarily.