KATHMANDU, Sept 16: A sterling performance from Samir Kumar helped Nepal start the SAFF U-17 Championship on a winning note The Nepali youngsters defeated Sri Lanka 2–0 in the opening match. Taking advantage of the home team being reduced to 10 players, Nepal recorded a comfortable victory.
In Monday’s game at the Colombo Racecourse Sports Complex, Samir scored both goals for Nepal. With this win, Nepal’s chances of reaching the semifinals from the three-team group have strengthened. Nepal will advance even with a draw against the last edition’s runner-up Bangladesh on September 18. However, if Nepal loses, the result of the group’s final game between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will decide the semifinal spot. The Nepali team, though, aims to defeat Bangladesh and play with high confidence.
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Sri Lanka was reduced to 10 players as early as the 28th minute when Mohammad Ifham received a second yellow card and was sent off. Despite the numerical advantage, Nepal failed to capitalize in the first half, with Samir missing two golden chances. In the 39th minute, captain and center-back Prashant Moktan sent a long pass that opposing defender Ahmed Amis Wasim failed to control, allowing the ball to reach Samir, but his shot went just wide of the far post. Shortly after, he squandered another opportunity when he failed to direct a cut pass from midfielder Sushan Thapamagar toward the goal.
In the 32nd minute, the Nepali youth team also had a stroke of luck when the hosts missed a good chance. Midfielder Airusha Jayathunga delivered a beautiful pass to unmarked captain Ishaq Maufer inside the box, but his header couldn’t find the net. Nepali goalkeeper Rambahadur Bohara failed to hold the ball, and it struck the crossbar before bouncing out. After that, no further chances were created, and the first half ended goalless.
Samir finally put Nepal ahead in the 52nd minute. From the left side, Pratish Thapamagar delivered a superb cross, and the unmarked Samir headed the ball between two defenders into the near corner of the net, leaving Sri Lankan goalkeeper Shathin Kaddafi helpless.
Nepal had to wait until injury time for the second goal. Nishchal Magar provided a fine through pass, and with the goalkeeper advancing, Samir calmly placed the ball into the net for his second of the match. With this, Nepal stunned the hosts and made a winning start.
Nepal will now face Bangladesh in their second Group ‘A’ match on Thursday. On Tuesday, two Group ‘B’ matches will be played: India will face the Maldives in the first match, while Bhutan will take on Pakistan in the second.
