De Wilde debuts as Nepal Women play 100th match vs Laos

KATHMANDU: The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has expressed strong confidence in Nepal’s women’s national football team, with Chair Pankaj Bikram Nembang stating his belief that the current squad has the potential to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Speaking at the team’s farewell ceremony, Nembang highlighted the appointment of a foreign coach as a key step toward strengthening Nepal’s chances in the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers.

ANFA has placed its trust in the newly appointed head coach, Patrick De Wilde, who makes his official debut with the team today.

Though this is De Wilde’s first time leading a national team, he brings a wealth of experience as a UEFA Pro License coach, having previously served as an assistant coach for various clubs and national youth teams.

He is no stranger to Nepalese football either, having led Kathmandu Rayzrs during the Nepal Super League.

His appointment marks the first time the women’s team has had a Pro License head coach.

Despite only spending three weeks with the national squad, De Wilde has shown faith in the players, emphasizing unity and teamwork as keys to achieving results.

The current squad includes four players who have experience in foreign leagues, adding depth and strength to the team.

As Nepal faces Laos this evening in Uzbekistan, the match marks a historic double milestone—Coach De Wilde’s debut and Nepal’s 100th international appearance in women’s football. It is also the first-ever encounter between Nepal and Laos in the women’s game.

While ANFA’s faith in the team is clear, pressure mounts on De Wilde to deliver a strong result in his debut.

The coach is yet to name the team captain, with a decision between long-time leader Anjila Tumbapo Subba and a potential new skipper expected just before kickoff.

The Nepal women’s national team, backed by renewed vision and international expertise, now steps into a new chapter with ambition, unity, and history on their side.