KATHMANDU: The defending champions Nepal crashed to 2-0 defeat at the hands of Tajikistan in an opening fixture of the Bangabandhu Gold Cup played at the Sylhet Stadium, Bangladesh, today.

Nepal conceded goals in each half, on 27th and 69th minutes during a pulsating encounter, this evening.

Tajikistan's Fatkhullo Fathkulloev send Kiran Chamjong the wrong way before cooling slotting the ball home after Ananta Tamang hauled the opponent in the box.

After the break, Nepal's best chance fell to Sujal Shrestha but his rasp shot was well shaved by the opponent's goalie. On the other side of the pitch, Turunov took advantage of Nepal's poor defending and struck a well-deserved goal in the 69th minute.

After conceding two goals, Nepal poured men forward in search of an elusive goal but to no avail. With this loss, Nepal have a slim chance of making into the last four of the tournament.

According to the latest FIFA ranking, Tajikistan are ranked 100th position to Nepal's 160th position.

Nepal are pitted in Group A along with Tajikistan and Palestine. Nepal will take on Palestine in their last fixture of the tournament on Saturday.

Earlier, Nepal had suffered 2-1 home defeat and 3-0 away loss to Tajikistan during Asia Cup Qualifiers.