Substitute Sara Didar started from where she left off in the last game against India as she opened the scoring in the 49th minute. Iran\u2019s second and third goals were scored by Zahra Ghanbari (52\u2019) and Shabnam Behesht (57\u2019), respectively.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The evening started with Nepal showing admirable resilience against an Iranian team ranked 70th in the world as they held their shape in the opening half.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Iran dominated possession, dictating the tempo and launching wave after wave of attacks, yet Nepal\u2019s disciplined backline and determined pressing frustrated their opponents.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Nepal grew in confidence as the first half wore on, carving out a few half-chances of their own. Though their finishing was wayward, the sheer grit to fight Iran in midfield was admirable.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Iran, meanwhile, appeared increasingly unsettled by Nepal\u2019s stubborn defence. The first 45 minutes ended goalless, but it was clear the match was teetering on the edge of a decisive breakthrough.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That breakthrough came swiftly after the restart. Just three minutes into the second half, Sara Didar, who had scored a brace against India in the previous match, again made her presence felt. Latching onto a long ball from goalkeeper Raha Yazdani, she muscled past defender Bimala BK and coolly slotted home past goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba to give Iran a 1-0 lead in the 49th minute.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Iran smelled blood, and Nepal, despite their spirited defence in the first half, began to unravel. Three minutes later, Zahra Ghanbari doubled the lead with a superbly executed free-kick from the right flank. Her curling delivery completely outfoxed Subba and nestled into the top-right corner.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That breakthrough came swiftly after the restart. Just three minutes into the second half, Sara Didar, who had scored a brace against India in the previous match, again made her presence felt. Latching onto a long ball from goalkeeper Raha Yazdani, she muscled past defender Bimala BK and coolly slotted home past goalkeeper Anjila Tumbapo Subba to give Iran a 1-0 lead in the 49th minute.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Three goals in eight blistering minutes broke Nepal\u2019s resistance and confirmed Iran\u2019s dominance. The final whistle brought Iranian celebrations, as the visitors lifted the trophy after a statement performance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n