Hosts Nepal secured a 2-2 draw against Myanmar in the International Women's Championship match held at Dasharath Stadium on Sunday.
The closely-contested game saw all four goals scored in the first half. With the draw, both Nepal and Myanmar advanced to the tournament final. Both teams played three matches, winning two each and finishing with seven points. However, Myanmar topped the group due to a superior goal difference.
Lebanon, with one win and two losses, finished third, while Kyrgyzstan ended at the bottom after losing all three of their matches.
During Sunday’s match, Myanmar took an early lead in the sixth minute with a goal from Mayat Noe Khin, silencing the home crowd. Nepal quickly responded, leveling the score in the 11th minute through Sabita Rana Magar.
The visitors again took the lead in the 16th minute, making the scoreline 2-1 in favour of the visitors, with May Htet Lu on target.
However, Sabitra Bhandari came to the rescue in the 41st minute to salvage a draw.
Bhandari, Nepal’s star forward, was tightly marked by Myanmar defenders, who resorted to aggressive tackles to contain her threat.
Despite several chances in the second half, neither team could find the winning goal.
Nepal had previously defeated Lebanon and Kyrgyzstan in the tournament.
Nepal will now face Myanmar again in the title decider on Wednesday, aiming to claim the championship on home soil.
(Updated news with corrections)
