Nepal ensure victory over India after Anil Gurung and Jumanu Rai scored goal each for the hosts.
The second half action had all the say as Nepal were proud to defeat the defending championship in front of terrific home support to qualify as the group A winners. India however made to next round as the group runner ups as they were lucky to find Pakistan’s victory over Bangaldesh.
Anil Gurung and Jumanu Rai scored for the host nation in the 70th and 81st minutes respectively, while Syed Rahim Nabi (90+2′) pulled one back for India in stoppage time.
Nepal started the match in attacking note as the host were all in the field to win over India in front of 20 thousand home crowd. It was a sweet present to all the fans as Nepal victory means they have just won India in three occasions out of 14 played matches.
Bhola Silwal who remained outstanding in the field made a threat to India when he chipped over Indian keeper Subrata and Nirmal Chhetri got it cleared.
Jagjeet Shrestha could not last long on his injury as he was substituted by Jumanu Rai before half an hour mark.
Bhola Silwal utilized Chhetri’s mistake to gain back the ball in opponent half but he failed to land his cross on Anil who was left all unmarked behind the keeper to head the ball and Nepal missed great chance to take the lead in the early half.
The second half saw improved India as they managed to create pressure on Nepal defenders for some moments.
Sunil Chhetri caught yellow card for fouling on Bhola Silwal which makes him ineligible to feature in SemiFinal either against Maldives or Afghanistan.
India’s domination in second half continued until Sandip Rai’s free kick which turned out on host’s way. Sandip Rai’s kick from around 35 yards found second half sub Bikram Lama whose header got the crossbar to land on Anil Gurung who did not do anything more than to place the ball in the net to give Nepal the lead in 70th minute.
Nepal almost doubled when Anil Gurung found a great ball forward on defender’s overturn while his shot was denied by the Indian custodian.
The lead was doubled few minutes later after Jumanu Rai scored after a long time for his nation to make his international goal count to 11, just two below record total of Hari Khadka and Nirajan Rayamajhi. Jumanu scored on Rabin Shrestha whose run forward with the ball was followed by terrific finish from Nepali Police club striker in 81st minute.
India were desperate on attack and looked for a miracle in last 10 minutes of the game. The continuous pressure resulted into Nabi’s goal in extra time which was not just enough for the blue tigers against the Gorkhalis.
Match Highlights
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