Nepal defeats India to keep qualification hopes alive

Published On: October 27, 2018 07:45 AM NPT

Nepal U-19 women’s team poses for a photo before Friday’s match against India in Thailand. | Photo Courtesy: ANFA

KATHMANDU, Oct 27: Nepal U-19 Women’s Team, which was in a do-or-die situation, has defeated India 2-0 to keep its hopes alive for the second round of the 2019 AFC U-19 Women’s Championship Qualifications in Thailand, Friday.

Nepal’s Rekha Paudel scored a brace to give the team a crucial win in Group B. Paudel scored her first goal in the 59th minute, beating the offside trap, and she added her personal second two minutes from time to guarantee Nepal’s win. She overcame the Indian goalkeeper who came forward to take control of the ball and scored.

Earlier, in the 2018 SAFF U-18 Championship, Nepal had beaten the same Indian team in Bhutan.

Nepal head coach Hariom Shrestha said Friday’s win has kept Nepal’s qualification hopes alive for the second round.

“We were confident of defeating India if our players lived up to their capabilities and they didn’t disappoint,’’ Shrestha said, “Rekha played very well in the second half and she is the major reason behind the win. I am confident we will reach the next round.’’

Meanwhile, India head coach Alex Ambrose said that his side failed to utilize the chances despite starting the qualification campaign with an astounding win in the first match.

“We could not create good chances to score in the game. We are not saddened by losing to a good team. We have set a target of beating Thailand to reach the second round of the tournament,’’ Ambrose said.

Nepal now needs to win its only remaining game against Pakistan. Nepal is in second place with three points, while India has the same points but is third on head-to-head. Host Thailand is at the top of the table with the same number of points.

However, Paudel will be missing the game against Pakistan on Sunday. She is suspended for the match as she faced yellow cards against both Thailand and India.

Earlier in the first group matches. Nepal lost to Thailand 3-0, while India beat Pakistan with a big margin win of 18-0.

The six group winners and two best runner-ups will enter the second round in the championship.