Nasrin make dreadful start in SAFF tourney

Nasrin Sports Academy made a dreadful start to their SAFF Women's Club Championship campaign, suffering a 4-0 defeat to Nepal's APF Football Club in the second match of the opening day at the Dasharath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu on Friday.

Fielding several players from the national U-17 and U-20 women's teams, Nasrin initially showed promise and matched APF in the early exchanges. However, the more experienced Nepalese side, powered by a brace each from Rashmi Ghising and Mina Deuba, ultimately proved too strong.

Nasrin even appeared to have the upper hand for a brief spell before a defensive lapse allowed APF to take the lead in the 38th minute, with Rashmi scoring from close range after a goalmouth melee. Mina doubled the advantage in the 70th minute, breaking an offside trap to slot home.

Rashmi extended the lead to 3-0 in the 80th minute, and Mina completed the rout by netting her second goal in stoppage time.

Nasrin will face Pakistan's Karachi FC in their second match. Karachi were held to a goalless draw by Bhutan's Transport United in the tournament opener at the same venue.