KATHMANDU, Sept 5: Nepal stormed into semifinals of the ongoing Eighth SAFF Championship as group winner after defeating defending champion India 2-1 in a match played at Dasharath Stadium on Thursday.
In its last group match, Nepali striker Anil Gurung gave lead to the team after he scored a goal at the 68th minute of the match whereas Jumanu Rai doubled the lead at 79th minutes.[break]
However, India replied a consolation goal at the injury time.
With today’s win against the five-time champion, Nepal has also secured top place in the points table with seven points with two win and a draw. Earlier on Sunday Nepal had defeated Bangladesh 2-0 at its first group match whereas it drew against Pakistan on Tuesday with a stunning goal by Bimal Ghartimagar at injury time.
Meanwhile, India has also qualified for the semifinals as runner up despite today’s defeat. Pakistan failed to qualify for the semifinals on the basis of goal difference as both Pakistan and India stood on four in the points table. In another match played at AFP grounds, Halchowk today, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh 2-1.
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