Pokhara, March 25:

Nepal rallied for a 2-1 victory over Pakistan in first of the two friendly matches here at the Pokhara Stadium today.

Debutant Bharat Khawas scored the equaliser in the 76th minute before local lad Anil Gurung found the winner four minutes from time. Pakistani skipper Essa had scored for his team in the 21st minute.

The win is the fifth for the hosts against Pakistan in their eight meetings. Before the match, Nepal had won four matches, drawn two and lost only once (1997). Nepal had defeated Pakistan 3-1 the last time the two teams met in the eighth South Asian Federation Games (1999, Kathmandu).

Khawas replaced Pradeep Maharjan in the 75th minute and scored the equaliser a minute later. He headed in after Santosh Sahukhala’s shot rebounded off Pakistani goalkeeper Iltaf.

Pakistan’s dream of beating Nepal after nine years was shattered when Gurung converted on a through pass from Nepal Police striker Ju Manu Rai. Earlier, Essa tapped in following a cross from Kasim.

Nepali coach Bhim Thapa credited the win to the teamwork of the young players. “The aggression and fighting spirit of the young boys was behind the success today,” said Thapa.

The hosts brought in young guns Nirajan Khada, Santosh Sahukhala and Khawas after the break and their presence showed immediate effect. Nepal affected constant pressure, which resulted into two goals. Apart from Khawas, Chun Bahadur Thapa, Nirajan, Sandip Rai and Biraj Maharjan also made their debut for the national team.

Pakistan coach Akhtar Mohi blamed their 30-hour-long journey and the goalkeeping mistake for their defeat. Played as part of their preparation for the upcoming AFC Challenge Cup, the two teams will meet again here on Thursday.