KATHMANDU, Nov 5: Nepal played a goalless draw against Timor Leste at the group stage match of the AFC Solidarity Cup at Negeri Stadium, Malaysia on Saturday.

​Nepal squandered some good chances to score that saw Nepal settled on one point.  Nepal had two shots hit the woodwork as Nawayug Shrestha hit the post in the 47th minute and Ananta Tamang's header hit the crossbar in the midway of second half.

After the match, Nepali Coach Gyotoku Koji was positive about the match.

"We played in the artificial turf for a long time and to settle straight away into the natural pitch is a tough ask. Also the humid atmosphere is new to the players and it played a part in the play," he said.

Koji pointed out the lack of shooting in the midfield being problem in the team and explained he has solutions too.

"The players need to improve shooting, especially the long range from the midfield and i have plans. The problem is we just have two days to prepare and i am hopeful we can do better,” he added.

Timor's coach Fabio Da Silva said that the match was a positive result for them as their young squad got the result they worked hard for. He said that the teams in the tournament are of same quality so you can never say who is going to win.

 "All the teams are of similar quality and you cannot predict the match beforehand. Not only in this group but the other as well, the tournament will be a competitive one for sure", he said.

Two teams each from Group ‘A’ will qualify for the semifinals berth. Timor Leste, who lost its previous game, is already out of the competition having failed to even score in two consecutive games.

Nepal can qualify to the semifinals with a draw against Brunei, but will be hoping for a win to ensure top four spot.

Nepal will play against Brunei on Tuesday.

 
• nepal
 
• timor leste
 
• afc solidarity cup