Nepal beat Bangladesh 2-1 to lift Three Nations Cup
Published: 08:40 pm Mar 29, 2021
KATHMANDU, MARCH 29
Sanjog Rai and Bishal Rai scored a goal each ending Nepal's eight match goalless streak, beating Bangladesh 2-1 to clinch the Three Nations Cup on Monday.
Making the most of the home advantage, the hosts put the South Asian rivals under pressure from the word go and scored two goals in the 18th and 42nd minutes respectively to take a 2-0 lead.
Midfielder Bishal Rai scored a beauty in one-versus-one situation after being put on through to goal by Ranjit Dhital, giving the hosts a comfortable 2-0 lead before the halftime.
Bangladesh reduced the arrears in the latter stage of the game, but Nepali rearguard held their nerve thwarting the attack with ease. With this victory, the national men's side secured their second major trophy in Nepal in 37 years.
Sanjog Rai, who had scored a goal and assisted for another, was adjudged the man of the match in the final match of the three national series.
Earlier, Nepal had won its first major trophy at home in the 1984 during the inaugural edition of South Asian Games in Kathmandu.
On the occasion, Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, along with other high ranking officials, foreign dignitaries, media persons among others were present at the stadium today.
Nepal, the hosts, along with Bangladesh and Kzakastan U-23 team had participated in the tournament.