Samba, The Goal Machine: Shattering Records from Nepal to France

Photo: ANFA

In the quiet hills of Lamjung, about 190 kilometers northwest of the country’s capital city, Kathmandu, lies the small village of Simpani, officially known as Pamchowk, in Marsyangdi Rural Municipality-9. From these humble surroundings emerged one of Nepal’s most celebrated sporting icons – Sabitri Bhandari, fondly known as Samba.

At 28, Samba’s journey from the winding trails of Lamjung to the Nepal national team, a top-tier European league, and Australia and New Zealand based premier A-League competition is more than just a story of sporting triumph. It is a testament to resilience, hunger, and an unshakable belief in dreams that stretch beyond the hills. She has now proven herself at local and national levels in international tournaments. There seems to be no team that can stop her, whether in international matches or club tournaments across different parts of the world. Samba is not just Nepal’s top scorer. She is a symbol of possibility, proving that talent born in any corner of the world can rise to claim the global stage.

Just recently, in the first week of July, Nepal missed out on qualifying for the AFC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 after losing 4-2 to Uzbekistan in Tashkent in the final Group F fixture of the qualifiers. Even then, Nepal’s superstar Samba shone brightly, scoring nine goals during the qualifiers, including a hat-trick in the final against Uzbekistan. It was also her first time captaining Nepal. She scored two goals to bring Nepal level at 3-3 in regular time. Unfortunately, Nepal lost in the penalty shootout. A win would have given Nepal a chance to play in the Asia Cup for the fourth time. Earlier, Nepal had competed in the tournament in 1986, 1989, and 1999 without playing any qualifiers.

Prior to the final match, Samba had already scored seven goals. In her first match as captain, she netted four goals in Nepal’s 9-0 win over Laos. She then scored a hat-trick in an 8-0 victory over Sri Lanka. Overall, Samba has played 60 games for Nepal and has scored a remarkable 64 goals, the highest by any Nepali footballer in international matches. In comparison, the top goal tally in Nepali men’s football is 13, shared by three strikers – Hari Khadka, Niranjan Rayamaji, and Anjan Bista. 

Samba is a star not only for Nepal but also celebrated in South Asia, Europe, and West Asia. She has excelled wherever she’s gone. A player for Nepal’s Armed Police Force Club, Samba made her international debut in 2014 against Bhutan during the SAFF Women’s Championship, where she scored in her very first match.

In 2019, she joined India’s Sethu FC. Her impressive performance helped the club win the Indian Women’s League in her first season. Later, she moved to Gokulam Kerala, where she guided the team to league titles in 2019-20 and 2022-23. She also finished as top scorer in both seasons, with 16 and 29 goals respectively. In 2023, she moved to West Asia.

Speaking to The Diplomat Nepal, Samba shared, “Cristiano Ronaldo is my inspiration and playing football is my passion. I want to give my 100 percent during the game. I want to win for the team. I don’t think about records. But after scoring and winning, records just happen.”

Samba then went on to play for Israel’s Hapoel Raanana Women’s Football Club, becoming the first Nepali woman to play club football in Europe. In 2024, she joined French Division 1 side En Avant Guingamp Féminines, proving herself yet again as one of the best strikers.

After departing from French Club En Avant Guingamp Féminines after a two-year journey, Samba signed a two-year contract with Wellington Phoenix, a New Zealand-based Club, in July this year. She will now play in Australia’s A-League Women. She became the 17th player signed by Wellington Phoenix for the 2025/26 A-League Women’s season.

Sanjeev Mishra, a Nepali football expert, who has followed her career from the start, commented, “Samba is one of the best players Nepal has ever produced. She’s a threat to any team in South Asia, in Asia, and now, in Europe too. She’s shown her talent wherever she’s played.” He added, “Samba can score from the centre, left, or right against any team. If defenders make a mistake, she’ll score. She can also create chances for others.”

With every match and every goal, Samba continues to inspire young Nepalis to follow their dreams and chase possibilities beyond hardships.