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Man-of-the-match Sagar Thapa curled in a free-kick in injury time to help Nepal register their first win in a Group B match at the ongoing SAFF Championship at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Nepal, by virtue of this victory move to 4 points from 2 matches while Bangladesh, who failed to convert from close on numerous occasions, stay on one point from two matches.
In a match where both teams had their equal share of chances, Nepal were quick off the blocks. The initial thrust, which has by now been a hallmark of their play, pushed Bangladesh on the defensive right from the kick-off. Keen on making optimum use of the flanks, they kept the Bangladeshi goalkeeper Sahidul Alam busy. But much to the disappointment of the 2000 odd Nepali fans, they couldn’t capitalise.
Changing over, Bangladesh weren’t just willing to defend.
They depended on counter-attacks and broke in the rival box a number of times. Their best chance came in the 80th minute when Atiqur Rahaman failed to place in a free header from close – Nepal’s goalkeeper Kiran Limbu denying him with his quick reflexes.
Maldives-Pakistan split points:
In another group B match, Maldives and Pakistan played a goalless draw. Both teams move to 2 points from two matches.
