May 25, Kathmandu - The Nepali women's football team has announced its starting lineup for the opening match against Bhutan in the SAFF Women's Championship, which kicked off today in Goa. Head coach Nabin Neppane revealed the preferred XI led by goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba, who will serve as captain.

Debutant forward Anita Lamjel is set to make her first appearance for the national team. Veteran defender Hira Kumari Bhujel has made her return to the squad, while midfielder Preeti Rai has not been included in the initial starting eleven.

The forward line features Anita Lamjel, Rashmi Kumari Ghising, Anita Basnet, and Rekha Poudel. In midfield, Renu Kumari Narkote and Deepa Shahi are slated to start. The defense includes Hirakumari Bhujel, Bimala BK, Pooja Rana, and Gita Rana.

Both teams are eager to start the tournament with a victory, as this match marks their opening encounter in Group A.

Nepal is a six-time runner-up in the SAFF Women's Championship, having narrowly missed the title in previous editions in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2019, 2022, and 2024. Meanwhile, Bhutan has yet to reach beyond the semifinals in the competition's history but managed to reach the semifinals in 2022 and 2024. Notably, Nepal has never lost to Bhutan in the tournament, with a record of four wins and one draw in five matches. The two teams first faced off in 2014, where Nepal won 8-0, followed by a 6-0 victory in 2016, a 3-0 win in 2019, and a 4-0 victory in 2022. Their latest encounter in 2024 ended in a goalless draw.

The match will be played at Jadhavarlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, kicking off at 4:45 PM Nepali time, with both teams aiming to start their campaign on a victorious note.