Nepal Announces 23-Member Squad Ahead of October Women's Friendlies Against Iran and India

Kathmandu, Nepal – The Nepal women’s national football team has officially announced its 23-member squad for the upcoming FIFA International Friendlies against Iran and India, scheduled later this month at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Polo Ground) in Shillong, India. This series of matches marks Nepal’s return to international football following their campaign in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers and will be the first outing under new Head Coach Nabin Neupane.

The announcement brings a mixture of experience, leadership, and fresh talent, reflecting the coaching staff’s approach to blend seasoned performers with promising youth prospects. Sabitra “Samba” Bhandari has been officially named team captain, providing guidance both on and off the pitch for the Nepalese side.

Several notable changes have been made to the squad. Forward Chandra Bhandari and defender Amrita Jaishi will miss the series due to selection decisions, while Hira Kumari Bhujel and midfielder Dipa Shahi make a long-awaited return after recovering from injuries sustained during the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship. Sajani Thokar replaces Gita Rana Magar, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation following a successful shoulder surgery. Forward Anita KC has been replaced by Mina Deuba from the U-20 squad, adding fresh attacking options to the team.

Additionally, youth talent from the Nepal U-20 squad has been incorporated, with Purnima Rai and Mina Deuba receiving promotions to the senior team. Their inclusion demonstrates a strategic focus on developing future leaders within the national setup while strengthening Nepal’s attacking options.

---

Full Squad:                 

Goalkeepers:                            

• Anjana Rana Magar

• Anjila Tumbapo Subba

• Usha Nath

Defenders:

• Hira Kumari Bhujel

• Bimala BK

• Puja Rana

• Nisha Thokar

• Sajani Thokar

• Samikshya Ghimire

• Manmaya Damai

• Pratikshya Chaudhary

Midfielders:

• Anita Basnet

• Dipa Shahi

• Renuka Nagarkote

• Preeti Rai

• Saru Limbu

• Sabita Rana Magar

• Saraswoti Hamal

Forwards:

• Sabitra Bhandari (Captain)

• Rashmi Kumari Ghising

• Mina Deuba (replacing Anita KC)

• Purnima Rai

• Rekha Poudel

---

Match Schedule and Timings (Nepal Time – NPT)

• October 21 (Friday): India vs Iran — 6:45 PM NPT

• October 24 (Friday): Nepal vs Iran — 6:45 PM NPT

• October 27 (Monday): India vs Nepal — 6:45 PM NPT
  

These friendlies provide a crucial opportunity for Nepal to measure itself against higher-ranked opponents, with Iran currently ranked 70th and India 63rd, while Nepal sits at 87th in the FIFA Women’s rankings. The team’s performance in these matches will not only offer insights into player form and tactical cohesion but also provide vital preparation for upcoming competitive fixtures.

Following the Shillong series, Nepal will head to Indonesia for the 3-Nation FIFA Women’s Series (Nov 26 – Dec 2), where they will face Chinese Taipei and the host nation, Indonesia. This tournament offers further international exposure and serves as a platform to evaluate squad depth, integrate new players, and refine tactical approaches ahead of regional competitions like the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026.

---

Strategic Implications and Team Outlook

Under Head Coach Nabin Neupane, who previously guided the Nepal U-23 men’s team during the AFC U-23 Qualifiers in Uzbekistan, the team is expected to adopt a more structured and competitive approach. Neupane’s emphasis on fitness, tactical discipline, and youth integration suggests a clear long-term vision for the national team, balancing immediate results with player development.

The October friendlies against Iran and India will also provide a benchmark for Nepal’s progress in women’s football, offering opportunities to test formations, defensive organization, and attacking transitions. For players returning from injury like Bhujel and Shahi, these matches represent both a chance to regain match fitness and to re-establish themselves as key contributors to the national squad.

---

Conclusion

The Nepal women’s national team enters this international window with renewed optimism and ambition, led by a blend of experienced leaders and emerging talents. These fixtures not only reinforce Nepal’s commitment to developing women’s football domestically and internationally but also provide critical lessons as the team prepares for regional and global challenges in the coming months.

With Sabitra Bhandari at the helm, a returning core of players, and youth talent gaining exposure, the future of Nepalese women’s football looks promising, and these friendlies will be an early indicator of the team’s growth trajectory on the international stage.

#NepalWNT #NepalFootball #WomensFootball #NepalVsIran #NepalVsIndia #InternationalFriendlies #FIFAInternational #CitySportsNetwork #SabitraBhandari #NepaliFootball