by
Pakistan and Bangladesh had their equal share of chances but couldn’t convert any as the two teams settled for a goalless draw in the first match of the SAFF Championship which kicked-off at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Friday (December 2, 2011).
An acrobatic Pakistan goalkeeper Jamal Khan who defied the Bangladeshi forwards consistently was declared the Man-of-the-match.
Earlier, the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Mr. Ajay Maken declared the Championship open. “We feel honoured to host the Championship,” he said.
Right from taking over, Mr. Maken, impressed by “AIFF’s pro-active nature,” has been a staunch supporter of football getting back to the Nehru Stadium. This in fact, is the first major sporting event to be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium since the CWG 2010.
NEPAL HOLD MALDIVES 1-1: In the second match of the day, an inspired Nepal, spurred on by a strong vocal support from 2000 odd fans, held Maldives 1-1.
Much against the run of play, Man of the Match, Maldives’ Ali Ashfaq dribbled past a couple of defenders and blasted in his long-ranger from outside the box to beat Nepal’s custodian Bikash Malla in the 45th minute.
Nepal did enjoy territorial domination in the first half but some stout defending by Maldives didn’t enable them to break through. Ashfaq’s goal came much against the run of play but that couldn’t silence Nepali fans.
Changing over, Nepal kept up the momentum and were eventually rewarded when Sandip Rai slotted home in the 64th minute to equalise.
