Nepal’s dream of winning their first major title in women’s football was dashed once again as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Myanmar at the final of the Four Nations International Women’s Championship at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

Although Nepal maintained control during the first half of the game, they failed to capitalise on their dominance, with Myanmar scoring twice in quick succession during the second half.

Myanmar took the lead in the 62nd minute, with a goal from midfielder Yu Per Khine. The goal came out of a solo effort from Khine, who dribbled past Nepali winger Sabita Rana Magar towards the left hand side of the goal and flicked the ball over captain and goalie Anjila Tumbapo Subba from a tight angle.

It didn’t take long for Myanmar to double their lead. The second goal came in the 64th minute off a dead ball, highlighting Nepal’s sloppy defence yet again. Capitalising on a free kick shot from over the half-way line, striker Win Theingi Tun coolly finished it from inside the Nepali D-area, silencing the jam-packed Dasharath Stadium.

For Nepal, it was yet again a story of missed opportunities. Despite creating a number of opportunities in the second half, Nepal could not break through the Myanmar defence. In the 70th minute, Rashmi Kumari had a golden opportunity on a ball supplied by Preeti Rai. But Myanmar goalkeeper Myo Mya Mya Nyein comfortably averted her overhead shot.

The first half had ended goalless but it wouldn’t have been so had Nepal’s Bimala BK not prevented a near-certain goal in the 24th minute after she heroically cleared Myanmar’s San Thaw Thaw’s attempt off the line. Sabitra Bhandari ‘Samba’, Rekha Paudel, and Sabita Rana Magar also had chances but could not convert them.

This marks the 13th final for Nepal in various international games, and they have been defeated in every single one. This was also their sixth encounter with Myanmar, and Nepal is yet to secure a victory against them. They had played a 2-2 draw in Kathmandu on Sunday in what looked like an even contest. But on Wednesday, the differences between them were clear yet again.