In a competitive match against taller and physically stronger rivals, the hosts backed by the home supporters created several good moves but could not score the crucial goal. [break]
Dipesh Shrestha
Nepali coach Yugambar Suwal was satisfied with the team’s performance and said that Nepal played a good low ball game and even won some aerial balls against the physically stronger rivals. He was also pleased with the performance of three debutants – Chetan Ghimire, Rohit Chand and Deepak Bhusal who replaced skipper Rakesh Shrestha in the 55th minute.
“Technically we played very well but luck did not favor us,” said Nepali skipper Rakesh Shrestha. "The players played with a good fighting spirit and we played better than the physically stronger opponents."
Palestine coach Izzat Hamzeh, dissatisfied with his team’s performance, said the Palestine team put in its worst performance ever, and also lauded the opponent’s performance. He also complained about the hard playing surface and the match officials. We are also not familiar with the weather conditions, he added.
Nepal played short passes and displayed a technically sound game against the stronger rivals while Palestine came up with long high passes and a forceful game. The stubborn defense line provided the major obstacle for the Nepali team.
Nepal created about half a dozen chances in the first half. Bijay Gurung made the first attack for the host in the sixth minute through a freekick but Palestine custodian Sabir made an easy save. Likewise, Sagar Thapa’s powerful freekick shot in the 18th minute was foiled by the goalie. Nepal made other post attempts in the 30th and 33rd minutes.
Dipesh Shrestha
Palestinian midfielder Alamour’s strike in the 25th minute was blocked by Nepali goalie Bikash Malla and in the 36th minute skipper Keshkesh’s header from inside the D box went slightly above the bar.
Palestine came up with an aggressive game in the second half of the match and conceded four yellow cards. Goalie Bikash Malla made a quick dive to the left side in the 54th minute to save a header by skipper Keshkesh on a ball from midfielder Alamour inside the D box.
Dipesh Shrestha
Nepal was unlucky in the 71st minute as a freekick from the edge of the box by Jumanu Rai hit the cross bar. Nepal was awarded the freekick after the Palestinian goalie came outside the box with the ball in his hands to shoot.
Nepal will take on Kyrgyzstan in its second match on Saturday.
See the transcript of Republica live update here.
