Kathmandu, January 9

Nepal shared points with Felda United of Malaysia after their opening match of the Bangabandhu Gold Cup ended in a goalless draw at the Shamsul Huda Stadium in Jessore on Saturday.

Nepal created a couple of scoring chances. Nepal made the first charge early on Bimal Gharti Magar failed to make a shot from six yards out after being fed by Robin Shrestha from the left flank. Malaysia came close in the 19th minute but Bobby Gonzales failed to reach Mohammed Feris' low cross inside six-yard box.

Nepal coach Bal Gopal Maharjan started with Nawayug Shrestha as the main striker but the Malaysian defenders foiled the game plan with effective off-side trap. Nepal were unlucky in the 63rd minute when Jagjeet Shrestha struck against the post. Prakash Budhathoki came in place of Heman Gurung in the 81st minute and he missed the target from close range four minutes later. Nepal are participating in the tournament as the preparation for the 12th South Asian Games and have fielded a U-23 team.

Nepal will take on Sri Lanka in their second match. Nepal are placed in Group A along with hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. Bangladesh, who recorded a 4-2 win against Sri Lanka in their opening match on Friday, are at the top of the table.