Stumbling Nepal U23 go down to hosts Bangladesh

Nepal U23 faces first defeat to Bangladesh in two match friendly series at Bangladesh.

Nepal U23 team picture in farewell program.

A goal in the second half remained the decisive one as Bangladesh took advantage of home soil to sideline struggling Nepal in a drizzling pitch.

Nepal started Amar Dangol and Ashim Jung Karki up front, however the frontline seemed rather dull followed by lazy midfield and scrawny defense line; however goalkeeper Alan remained brave enough to stop Bangladeshi attacks.

The first half performance remained very disappointing from Nepal as Bangladesh remained superior throughout the half creating some serious attacks; however goalkeeper Alan Neupane was tall enough to collect all the Bangladeshi crosses and brave enough to stop their attack as the half ended goalless.

Second half remained improved one, with Nepal starting with energy; however it was Bangladesh that had the first say in the game after Sohel Rana inspired his team with a great long ranger in a corner ball.

With a goal behind, Coach Jack Stefanowski’s attempt remained ambitious as he brought couple of new faces like Bharat Shah, Shyam Nepali and Heman Gurung.

Although Heman Gurung’s impact in the midfield was observable and he tried his luck with couple of shots, it was Shyam Nepali earlier who missed an equalizing chance as Nepal suffered a defeat in the first match.

The second match will be played on Friday as Nepal look to return home happy to keep their confidence high for the Asian games where they face Asian powerhouse like Iraq, Japan and Kuwait.