Nepali women were back in action on Friday after over three months as they kicked off their tri-nation tournament in Shillong, India.

Their last footballing action, during the AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers in Uzbekistan in July, did not end in their favour, but the results against Laos, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan helped them rise to an all-time high in FIFA Women's Ranking—87th.

However, the Gorkhalis did not have an expected result against Iran, a team ranking 17 positions higher, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Iran had defeated the hosts, India, 2-0 on Tuesday and were only one win away from winning the tournament, which was played in a single round-robin format.

And after beating Nepal 3-0 on Friday, Iran were handed the champions' trophy with the stadium turning into a celebrating environment. Nepali players, on the other hand, were trying to cope with the loss.

Three goals in nine minutes

Nepal looked equally strong against Iran until the first half. Both teams were creating chances, but failed.

Meanwhile, in the 49th minute, Iran broke the deadlock. Nepal's attack had ended in the hands of Iran's goalkeeper Raha Yazdani. And when she resumed the play with a long kick, it turned the tides. The ball, easily crossing the centre half, got a big bounce and went over Nepal's defender Bimala BK, a chance that was capitalised by half-time substitute Sara Didar.

Didar, with her physical strength, held back BK and got the ball under control. Nepal's goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba, who was returning to the post after missing all three games in Uzbekistan in July, covered the near corner but left a huge space on the other side, allowing Didar to score with ease.

As Nepal were consuming the happenings, Iran earned a free kick outside the 18-yard box along the right flank. With the captain, Zahra Ghanbari, ready to take the set piece, Iranian players looked relieved. And when Ghanbari took the shot, which was like a knuckleball, in the 52nd minute, the ball went up and came down just in time to go over Subba and under the crossbar to take the lead to two goals.

The third and final goal of the match was the most beautiful one. Shabnam Behesht got a pass with open grass in front of her. Taking the ball just a bit ahead, she made an attempt from 25 yards. The ball then went past Subba, who was a bit upfront from the goalline.

Under pressure, Nepal—desperately missing their major defender Gita Rana, who is recovering from a shoulder operation—were trying for a remontada, which they showed against Uzbekistan in July. But all attempts went in vain as Sabitra Bhandari and Preeti Rai were kept in check by Iran.

Bhandari and Rai had some attempts, but they were away from the frame. Iran also missed the chances to extend the lead further as Anjana Rana Magar, who replaced Subba in the 68th minute, made some good saves. Yazdani, meanwhile, did not have much trouble on the other side of the goalpost.

Two matches against India

The winner of the tournament was decided after Iran won both the matches and lifted the trophy. But the last match of the event—between Nepal and India—is yet to be played.

An encounter between Nepal and India in women's football has always been memorable. The reason: their healthy rivalry to place themselves as the powerhouse of South Asia, a recognition currently accorded to Bangladesh.

Both have suffered losses against Iran and will be facing each other on Sunday for a consolation win. India want the win more because they had lost against Nepal in a disputed match at the 2024 SAFF Women's Championship.

Nepal are also desperate for a win as they recover from the setback of losing a globally-reputed coach, the Belgian Patrick De Wilde, who resigned after expressing frustration with the governing body of Nepali football—the All Nepal Football Association.

Sunday's match will also be a test for interim head coach Nabin Neupane as he looks to prove his worth.

Neupane and his side will have two matches to showcase their abilities as the Nepali women footballers aim for a maiden berth at the 2031 FIFA World Cup.

The second match between the neighbours will be held in Sikkim on October 30. It will be a separate friendly. And whether players like Bhandari and Rai, who play in foreign leagues in Australia and Jordan, respectively, will be available is uncertain.