Sabitra Bhandari scored her 53rd international goal on Tuesday, becoming the leading women’s goal scorer of South Asia.

Bhandari, popularly known as Samba, created history during the 2024 WAFF (West Asian Football Federation) Women’s Championship semi-final match against Lebanon when she scored the equaliser in the 76th minute at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

In the process, Bhandari eclipsed India’s Ngangom Bala Devi’s record for most international goals by a South Asian woman footballer. Devi previously held the record with 52 goals to her name.

Bhandari is in the 31st position, alongside Austria’s Nina Burger, in the list of top international women’s football goal scorers.

Bhandari is also the all-time highest goal scorer in Nepalese football history.

Bhandari also leads the WAFF Championship goal tally with nine goals.

Bhandari’s equaliser set the tone for Nepal’s semi-final triumph as Preeti Rai scored a last-gasp winner to send Nepal into the final.

Nepal, who are making their first appearance in the tournament, will face three-time defending champions Jordan in the final on Thursday.

Jordan won the last three editions (Jordan 2014, Bahrain 2019 and Jordan 2022) of the biennial international women’s football competition.

However, Nepal will be without Bhandari in the title clash as the final match does not fall under the FIFA Window dates.

“Currently representing EV Guingamp in France, Sabitra contract with the club permits her to represent her country in competitions and tournaments held during FIFA window dates. While the group stage and semi-final matches of the WAFF Women's Championship fall within the February 19-28 FIFA Window, the final on February 29 does not align with this timeframe. Consequently, according to her contractual obligations, Sabitra is not obligated to participate in the final match,” All Nepal Football Association said on its Facebook page.

“We want to clarify that Sabitra will not be available for selection in the national team for the final against Jordan,” ANFA added.

“While we acknowledge the disappointment this may cause among our fans and understand Sabitra's absence will undoubtedly be felt, we want to reassure our fans that the team is fully prepared and committed to stepping up in her absence. Every member of the team is ready to rise to the occasion and fill the void left by Sabitra's absence.”