The Nepal Senior Women’s National Football Team has arrived in Indonesia to kick off the Tri Nations Series 2025, and all eyes are now set on their massive opening clash against the host nation Indonesia this Wednesday. Despite missing several key players, the confident Nepali Cheli squad is ready to battle against a strengthened Indonesian side packed with diaspora talent.
In this blog, we break down the match preview, past encounters, team news, injuries, and live broadcast details for this highly anticipated showdown.
🇳🇵 A Trip Back to 2019: Nepal’s Memorable 2–1 Victory Over Indonesia
Nepal and Indonesia have only met once before in an official competition. It was back in April 2019 during the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifiers Round 2, where both teams were placed in Group A.
🔥 Final Score: Nepal 2–1 Indonesia
🔥 Hero of the Match: Sabitra Bhandari ‘Samba’ (2 goals)
Nepal took a 1–0 lead in the first half, conceded early in the second half (47’), but star striker Sabitra Bhandari (Samba) sealed the win for Nepal with a late 89th-minute stunner.
Although Nepal didn’t advance past the round, this victory remains a proud moment in Nepali women’s football.
🚨 Big Miss for Nepal: Samba, Sabita & Gita Out Due to Injuries
This time, Nepal’s squad looks very different from the 2019 encounter. Three major players are unavailable:
❌ Sabitra Bhandari ‘Samba’ – OUT
Currently playing for Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand, Samba picked up a knee injury during her A-League Women debut against Canberra United. She has already missed two league matches and is not traveling with the national team.
❌ Sabita Rana Magar – OUT
The midfielder suffered an injury during the Jhapa Women’s Gold Cup and will miss matches against both Indonesia and Chinese Taipei.
❌ Gita Rana – OUT
Still recovering from knee surgery and is currently in rest phase.
These absences open the door for Nepal’s rising stars to step up.
🌟 Young Guns to Watch: Mina Deuba & Purnima Rai
With senior players unavailable, the spotlight now turns toward Nepal’s emerging talents.
- Mina Deuba
- Purnima Rai
Both are highly likely to start in the first XI and are expected to play a key role against a physically strong Indonesian team.
🇮🇩 Indonesia’s New-Style Squad: Boosted by Dutch-Based Diaspora Players
Indonesia has announced a revamped squad that includes half a dozen players from the Netherlands, some of whom play in top European leagues. This makes the host nation far stronger than in 2019.
Their recent performance in the ASEAN Women’s Championship shows mixed results:
- 1–1 draw vs Cambodia
- 0–7 loss vs Vietnam
- 0–7 loss vs Thailand
Overall, Indonesia have been winless for their last five matches, but their new squad promises a fresh challenge.
🇳🇵 Nepal’s Momentum: High Confidence After Beating India Twice
Nepal is riding a wave of confidence after defeating India in two international friendlies recently. The team has shown that it can compete strongly against higher-ranked nations, making them a dangerous opponent even with key absences.
Current FIFA Rankings:
- Nepal: Rank 89
- Indonesia: Rank 106
Statistically, Nepal still holds the upper hand—but football is played on the pitch, not on paper.
🔥 What to Expect on Matchday?
- A fast, physical Indonesian side boosted by European-trained players
- A determined Nepali team hungry to prove themselves
- Young talents stepping into the spotlight
- Tactical discipline from Nepal’s growing defensive structure
This match will surely offer drama, emotion, and a battle of national pride.
📺 Live Broadcast: Where to Watch Nepal vs Indonesia?
The match will be played on Wednesday at 6:45 PM Nepal Time.
For complete broadcast details and live streaming updates:
👉 Visit the official website of Sajhakhel— sajhakhel.com
(Just search on Google: Sajhakhel or Sajha Khel official website)
⚽ Final Thoughts
The Nepali Cheli squad may be missing some superstars, but the spirit, hunger, and rising talent remain alive. With confidence from recent victories and a strong tactical approach, Nepal will aim to produce an even better result than their 2019 victory.