Nepal Women National Football Team Overview

You’re probably here because you’ve heard a bit about this scrappy bunch and wondered, “Wait who are these ladies and why are they suddenly showing up on everyone’s radar?” Well, friend, let’s break it down in a way that actually feels like a conversation between two football geeks.

The Nepal Women National Football Team represents Nepal in international women’s football. They’re officially governed by the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), and if you ask any fan, they’ve got one of the most passionate followings in South Asia.

A Team with Heart Not Just Headlines

First things first these players don’t just wear red jerseys because it looks nice (although it totally does). They’re called the Gorkhali Chelis, which loosely translates to Nepali Fighting Sisters. I mean, how cool is that?

Their style isn’t always flashy like a Hollywood blockbuster, but it’s that gritty underdog vibe that makes you root for them in every game.

Where It All Started A Bit of Background

The women’s national team officially debuted in the mid-1980s. Their first international match came against Hong Kong back in December 1986. Sure, they lost that first game, but it marked the beginning of something special.

Since then, they’ve competed in regional competitions and qualifiers. They haven’t yet made it to a FIFA Women’s World Cup (yeah, still waiting on that), but trust me they’ve given many teams a good challenge along the way.

Rankings and Reality Checks

You know how people always talk about FIFA Rankings like they’re gospel? Well, Nepal’s women have been steadily improving their highest FIFA ranking (so far) was #87, which is a really solid achievement for a team from a country with limited resources and exposure.

Let’s be real: global football is super competitive. So cracking the top 100 isn’t just random luck it’s built on sweat, grit, and more than a few very late–night training sessions.

Coaches, Captains, and Key Personalities

Every team needs leaders, and Nepal’s got them.

The Captain on Everyone’s Lips

Sabitra Bhandari is kind of a legend in Nepali football right now. She’s the top scorer and most capped player, which basically means she’s scored more goals than everyone else and played more matches than most. Yep, she’s that good.

Not too long ago, she was officially named captain, adding more leadership responsibilities to her already stacked résumé.

Behind the Whistle

The coaching bench has seen its fair share of talent, too. Coaches like Nabin Neupane and others have brought tactical tweaks and fresh energy to the squad in recent years.

It’s like watching a band evolve new members bring new sound, but the soul stays the same.

The Squad Who’s On the Pitch?

I could go on forever about individual player names, but let’s keep it fun and practical. The squad usually mixes experienced veterans with rising stars the type of balance that keeps things unpredictable.

Here’s the kind of mix you might see in a tournament lineup:

•  Goalkeepers like Anjana Rana Magar and Usha Nath
•  Defenders such as Gita Rana and Amrita Jaishi
•  Midfield creators like Renuka Nagarkoti and Anita Basnet
• Forward firepower with Sabitra Bhandari, Rashmi Kumari Ghising, and more

These players aren’t just names on a roster many have personalities and stories that make you genuinely care when they take the field.

The Rollercoaster of Results

This team has seen wins, heartbreaking losses, and dramatic goals just like any football fan loves to remember.

They’ve consistently challenged in:

• SAFF Women’s Championship finished runners-up multiple times

• South Asian Games strong performances

• International Friendlies and qualifiers mixed outcomes but always competitive

Now, does that string of runner-up spots make fans go “Come on already!”? Absolutely. But it also shows how close they are to finally lifting that elusive trophy. I mean, if you’re gonna be runner-up multiple times, you’re basically knocking on the door of glory, right?

Big Moments, Small But Mighty Victories

They’ve had some truly memorable nights:

• Winning games in international friendlies

• Beating teams like Kyrgyzstan in tournaments

• Racking up solid performances against regional rivals

Every goal, every win even if it wasn’t on the biggest stage helped build confidence and legacy.

Challenges Off the Pitch

Let’s not sugarcoat anything women’s football in Nepal has hurdles.

There aren’t as many domestic leagues or training facilities compared to countries with mainstream support. Players often train with limited resources, and many rely on pure passion to keep pushing forward.

But hey, does that stop them? Not really. It actually makes every win feel that much sweeter.

Why Fans Can’t Help But Love Them

Here’s the real deal:

• They embody resilience.

• They play with heart, not just skill.

• Every match feels like a story, not just a scoreline.

When was the last time a team made you feel something even when they didn’t win? Yeah that’s the vibe here.

Also Read: Nepal vs Canada National Cricket Team Timeline

What’s Next for Nepalese Women in Football?

They’re young, hungry, and building momentum. Qualifying for an AFC Women’s Asian Cup or even a World Cup someday isn’t a fantasy it’s a goal they’re genuinely chasing. Every training camp, every friendly, every qualifier counts.

And honestly? That kind of uphill energy is way more fun to watch than a team that’s always top-seeded and “expected” to win.

Final Thoughts Why This Team Matters

So why should you care about the Nepal Women National Football Team?

Because they aren’t just another squad on FIFA’s website. They’re proof that football isn’t just about big budgets and sponsors. It’s about heart, community pride, and the joy of seeing the underdog rise.

Whether you’re a die-hard football nerd or just someone who appreciates stories of grit and glory, this team gives you something real to cheer for.

And FYI I’ll be watching their next match too. Let’s grab a cold drink, and see if they can finally snag that trophy they’ve so brilliantly chased all these years.