ZCZC
BSP-19
FOOTBALL-SAFF-NEPAL
Nepal stays in championship race
DHAKA, Sept 6, 2018 (BSS) – Nepal kept their hope of playing semifinal as
they drubbed Bhutan by 4-0 goals in their second group A match of the SAFF
Suzuki Cup held on Thursday at Bangabandhu National Stadium.
With this win, Nepal opened their account with three points from two
matches while Bhutan, which made exit from the championship race, yet to
secure any point playing the same number of matches.
Nepal found the net in the 22nd minute. Capitalizing a right wing corner
kick from Sunil Bal, Ananta Tamang sent the ball home with a nice header from
inside the D-box. Nepal again came close of scoring in the 38th minute, but
Sujal Shrestha failed to connect the header from close range off a cross from
Sunail Bal.
After the resumption, Nepal completely took control of the second half
scoring three more goals.
Nepal got scoring chance in the 52nd minute as Suman Aryal tried to cut
through Bhutanese defenders, but the ball went out for a corner kick. Ananta
failed slot the ball home despite standing at vantage position.
In the 62nd minute Rohit Chand’s long ranger shot was hardly saved by
Bhutanese goalie Tshering Dendup.
Sunil Bal scored the second goal for Nepal in the 72nd minute in a
rebounded ball. Bimal Gharti took a spot kick that was saved by Bhutan
custodian Dendup but the rebounded ball came way to Sunil, who finished the
task perfectly.
Bharat Khawas scored the third goal for Nepal in the 79th minute with
his solo effort. Taking a pass near the mid field onrushing Khawas ran down
and sent the ball to the net with a left footer angular shot.
Nirajan Khadka completed the winners’ tally scoring the fourth goal for
Nepal with a brilliant header from close range in the 88th minute of the
match.
Nima Wangdi of Bhutan was shown red card by referee Rowan Arumughan of
India in the 71st minute following double yellow cards for his unsporting
behavior in the match.
Nepal played a dominating football although the proceeding especially in
the second half and notched their deserving victory while Bhutan were totally
off colored and they failed to produce any real scoring chance in the match.
Nepal will play their group final match against Bangladesh while Bhutan
meet Pakistan on Saturday (September 8) at the same venue. Earlier, Nepal
lost 1-2 goals defeat to Pakistan while Bhutan suffered a 0-2 goal defeat to
Bangladesh in both their respective group opening matches.
BSS/SG/RY/1920 hrs