By Our Reporter
Shillong, Oct 24: IR Iran secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Nepal in the second match of the Women’s Tri-Nation International Tournament at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong, to claim the title with maximum points.
The first half was a pulsating affair, with Iran carrying momentum from their opening match and asserting control over possession. They continuously pressed Nepal’s defense, creating several chances, including a near-miss from Afsaneh Chatrenoor in the 16th minute. Nepal, led by captain Sabitra Bhandari, showed resilience and managed to carve out a few opportunities of their own.
Despite the attacking intent from both sides, the half ended goalless.
Iran wasted little time after the break, with Sara Didar breaking the deadlock in the 49th minute. Just three minutes later, Zahra Ghanbari doubled the lead with a superbly executed set-piece. Shabnam Behesht sealed the win with a stunning left-footed strike, securing a convincing 3-0 victory and handing Iran the tournament crown.
For Meghalaya, hosting the high-profile event reaffirmed the State’s growing reputation as a premier destination for international football.
The successful staging of the Women’s Tri-Nation Tournament, following previous fixtures like India’s FIFA friendly against the Maldives and the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Bangladesh, reflects the State’s robust football infrastructure.
