Nepal face defeat against India, enters into semis

KATHMANDU: Nepal suffered 2-1 defeat against arch rival India in the last game of Group B during the SAFF U-15 Championships at the ANFA Complex ground in Lalitpur on Wednesday.

Despite the loss, Nepal entered into the semi finals and will meet Bangladesh in the next game.

India broke the deadlock in the 27th minute through skipper Bikram Pratap Singh strike. The hosts equalised on the stoke of half time courtesy of penalty kick.

Nepal's Roshan Rana Magar tame penalty was parried by Indian custodian Lalbiakhlua Jongte, however, Magar capitalised on the rebound and slotted home.

Nepal were rewarded the penalty kick after Indian defender hauled down Sishir Lekhi inside the d-box.

India restored the lead on the 65th minute via Ravi Rana Magar cool finish. India enter into the semi finals of the Championship as Group B winner and will take on Bhutan at the APF Halchowk Stadium on August 25.

Commenting after the game, Nepal's head coach Sunil Kumar Shrestha said he was not satisfied with players performance and urged to improve in many areas as Bangladesh is tough knot to crack.

Meanwhile, India's coach Babiano Fernandes said Nepal played better then Maldives and expects them to meet in the finals.

Earlier, Nepal had defeated Maldives by 6-0.

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