SAFF: Narrow win for Nepal against Bhutan

Margao: Nepal were made to huff and puff their way past Bhutan as last edition’s finalists secured a 1-0 win in the opening match of the SAFF Women’s Championship at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Monday.Gita Rana’s strike that deflected off Dorji Edon in the 23rd minute was the difference between the two sides. Nepal, second-best ranked team in the championship, were dominant from start to finish but lacked the cutting edge upfront.Rashmi Kumari Ghising went close with a strike that hit the upright while Rekha Poudel was thwarted in a one-on-one position with the rival goalkeeper.Bhutan did well to keep fighting for a point till the end, maintaining a defensive shape and frustrating Nepal.Bhutan’s best chance to finding the equaliser came in the second half when Yeshey Bidha’s attempted cross almost landed inside the net.Nepal now have one foot in the semifinals while Bhutan will look to get a result in their concluding-league stage game against Sri Lanka for a place in the knockout stage.