Nepal national women’s team will aim to win their first trophy of the SAFF Women’s Championship when they begin their campaign of the seventh edition of the competition against Bhutan at the Dasharath Stadium on October 18.

Nepal are drawn alongside Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives in Group B.

Nepal play the Maldives on October 21 and Sri Lanka on October 24 in their other group fixtures.

Group A consists of tournament’s most successful side India, last edition’s winners Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The top two teams from each group will progress into the semi-finals, which will take place on October 27.

The final is scheduled for October 30.

India, who have won five of the last six editions, open the SAFF Championship against Pakistan on October 17.

Bangladesh, who ended India’s domination in the championship in 2022, face Pakistan on October 20.

Nepal have reached the final five times. In the last edition held in Kathmandu, Nepal lost to Bangladesh 3-1 in the final.

Nepal will have another chance to lift their maiden trophy at home and will be full of confidence following their remarkable run in the WAFF Women’s Championship, where they reached the final before losing to Jordan 5-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw.

Their squad has also received a boost. Sabitra Bhandari will bring the experience from the French Division 1 side En Avant Guingamp Feminines to the national team. Captain and goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba is also on the way to sign for Greek A-Division Women’s football Club Nees Atromitou.

Rekha Paudel is also sharpening her skills at Abu Dhabi Country Club, where she has already helped her new club to progress to the group stage of AFC Women’s Champions League scoring two goals.

This will be the third edition in a row Nepal are hosting the SAFF Championship.