Kathmandu: Forward Sabitra Bhandari-inspired Nepal kicked off their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign with a resounding 9–0 victory over Laos in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in the match that featured some major changes to the starting lineup.

In his first match at the helm, Belgian coach Patrick De Wilde entrusted Sabitra “Samba” with her debut as captain, and she rose to the occasion by scoring four goals in Nepal’s 100th international women’s football appearance.

Alongside Sabitra, winger Anita Basnet, Saru Limbu, Rashmi Ghising, and substitute Anita KC were also on target. Nepal further benefited from an own goal in a second half that saw seven goals.

With regular captain and goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo rested, Anjana Rana Magar started in the post, while the captain’s armband went to top scorer Sabitra, who lifted her international goal tally to 61.

Anita Basnet opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a brilliant finish. Sabitra doubled the advantage just before halftime, heading in Anita’s cross.

Midfielder Saru Limbu, earning her 50th cap, struck two minutes into the second half setting the stage for a barrage of goals. Sabitra added her second in the 55th minute as Nepal went 4–0 ahead and Rashmi Ghising promptly made it 5–0.

Sabitra completed her hat-trick in the 75th minute and scored again a minute later. Substitute Anita KC extended the lead to 8–0 in the 85th, and an own goal in the 88th capped a dominant performance.

Later, hosts Uzbekistan are scheduled to face Sri Lanka in the group ‘F’ featuring four teams. Only the group winners among the four teams will qualify for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.