KATHMANDU: Defending champions Nepal played a 1-1 draw against the Maldives in the opening fixture of SAFF Under-18 Championship in Kathmandu, on Friday.

Manish Dangi's equaliser in the 75th minute salvaged a point for Nepal after trailing to Hasan Nazeem's penalty in the 13th minute at the Nepal APF ground in Halchowk today.

The visiting team were awarded a penalty kick after Nepali defender Roshan Dong fouled opponent inside the box.

Dangi, who is plying his trade in South Korea, made no mistake and thumped his header into the roof of the net when his strike partner Brijesh Chaudary put him through with a sublime cross.

Both the teams created numerous goal-scoring opportunities but to no avail.

The hosts and defending champions Nepal, the Maldives and Bhutan are in Group A while Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka are in Group B of the tournament.