The Four Nations Cup has provided Nepal with the opportunity to compete against a stronger and higher-ranked Myanmar team in women’s football—not just once, but twice. Their first encounter on Sunday ended in a draw, revealing significant defensive vulnerabilities in the Nepali squad.

While defender Geeta Rana has shown solid performances against weaker opponents, her limitations were exposed in the match against Myanmar, highlighting areas for improvement. Sabitra Bhandari ‘Samba’ demonstrated her ability to break through strong defences on the attacking front, initially creating a goal-scoring opportunity and later scoring herself. Such insights underscore the importance of international friendlies, with tournaments like the Four Nations Cup serving as an extended platform for these valuable experiences.

The two teams are meeting today (Wednesday) at Dashrath Stadium, this time competing for the title. Both Myanmar and Nepal advanced to the final after the league stage of the four-team competition, finishing unbeaten with seven points each. Myanmar secured the top spot on goal difference. Despite their similar paths, their approaches to the final differ significantly. Nepal will carry the weight of expectation to win in front of a home crowd, while Myanmar can focus solely on delivering a strong performance.

This contrast was evident during the pre-match press conference on Tuesday. Nepal’s coach, Rajendra Tamang, has consistently emphasised the need for a victory, stating that Nepali football desperately needs a breakthrough. The Nepali women’s team has reached 12 finals in various tournaments but has always finished as runners-up. In nearly four decades of international football, Nepal has yet to claim a single title.

A recurring pattern has emerged: Nepal consistently reaches finals but falters at the decisive moment. This has created immense pressure on the team to secure a title finally. For Nepal, this final is not just another match—it is an opportunity to break the jinx and make history. The team is fully focused on the title, with no room for anything less.

Captain Anjila Tumbapo Subba echoed this sentiment, stating, “We will give our all to win the title. We have come close many times but fallen short. This time, we are determined not to repeat that. We will give 100 percent to secure our first international title. The entire team is united and ready to face Myanmar.”

Coach Tamang added, “We have another chance on home soil, and we cannot afford to falter. Myanmar is a strong team, but we believe we can defeat them.”

While Nepal is under immense pressure to win, it is important to recognise that the Four Nations Cup is not an official tournament. From a broader perspective, the competition has already been a significant success for Nepali women’s football. It has showcased the team’s potential on the international stage, proving that with greater investment, major achievements are within reach. Isn’t that just as valuable as a title?

Tamang also highlighted a tactical focus: maintaining a relentless pace throughout the match. Players must not be allowed a moment of respite, and those who cannot cope with high-press football will struggle to create opportunities.

On the other hand, Myanmar’s approach to the tournament has been markedly different. Their coach, Tetsuro Uki, a seasoned Japanese manager with experience in the J-League, has maintained a calm and composed demeanour. He has expressed gratitude to Nepal and the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) for hosting the tournament, emphasising that his primary goal has been to evaluate his squad.

Myanmar has fielded 22 different players across their three matches, allowing almost every outfield player to showcase their abilities. Only the third-choice goalkeeper has yet to feature. Tetsuro’s strategy has been to maximise the benefits of the Four Nations Cup by assessing his players’ performances, a highly professional approach that underscores his focus on long-term development.

In his interactions with the Nepali media, Uki has consistently praised Nepal’s team, stating, “Nepal has a good team, and their players have performed at a high level. This tournament is a great opportunity for us to learn and grow. We have fielded our best players in every match, and the final will be no different. Fans can expect a highly competitive game and top-level football.”

However, Uki’s ultimate focus remains on the upcoming World Cup, Asian Cup, and Olympic qualifiers in June and July. He has not pressured his team to win the Four Nations Cup, instead emphasising the importance of performing well. One aspect of Nepali football that has impressed him is the remarkable turnout of spectators for women’s matches—a rarity in many parts of the world. He hopes his players will gain invaluable experience playing in front of a packed Dashrath Stadium.

As they play the final match today, Nepal’s determination to break their title drought contrasts with Myanmar’s measured and developmental approach. While Nepal seek to make history, Myanmar view the tournament as a stepping stone for future success.