Kathmandu: Striker Sabitra Bhandari ‘Samba’ struck two brilliant goals for Nepal as they edged hosts India 2–1 in the Tri Nation Women’s International Friendlies at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Monday.

With the outcome, Nepal finished runners-up behind Iran. The Middle East side had defeated Nepal 3-0 and India 2-0. Hosts India finished third and remained pointless.

Sabitra put Nepal ahead in the second minute after she latched on to a long-distance pass from centre-back Bimala BK and placed the ball past the onrushing goalie Elangbam Panthoi Chanu with a clean finish.

India responded in the 14th minute when Ranjana Chanu fired a scorcher, forcing custodian Anjana Rana Magar to make a save. Sabitra came close to scoring two minutes from halftime from Deepa Shahi’s through pass when she drove a low shot towards the far post, but Panthoi Chanu denied her again.

Nepal’s push for the second goal materialized in the 63rd minute when Sabitra’s 25-yard curling free kick nestled into the top corner of the near post. Nepal were awarded the free kick for a foul on midfielder Preeti Rai by captain Sangita Basfore.

In the 76th minute, Nepal missed a chance to extend their lead as Bimala’s header from Deepa’s corner sailed over the bar.

Instead, India cut the deficit in the 81st minute through substitute Karishma Shirvoikar, who was left unmarked inside the area. The forward fired a low drive to beat goalkeeper Anjana after collecting a free kick from Kiran Pisda.