KATHMANDU: The SAFF Championship preparing Nepali football team defeated Mohun Bagan Football Club of Kolkata 3-1 in a friendly match in Kolkata today.

Striker Jumanu Rai scored a brace to give Nepal a remarkable victory despite trailing 1-0 early in the first half. Franco gave lead to the home side in the 17th minute before Nepal’s influential striker Anil Gurung found the equaliser converting a spot kick four minutes before first half. Ju Manu then gave tourists the lead scoring in the 55th minute and it was all over for the home side when he added another in the 89th.

Nepal will take on Chirag Football Club in their last friendly match on November 30. Nepali is playing the friendly as a part of their preparation for the sixth SAFF Championship slated for December 4-14 in Dhaka. Nepal will leave for Dhaka on December 2.

Nepal are in a group of death in the regional meet with the defending champions Maldives, four-time winners India and newcomers Afghanistan in Group A. Nepal will play Maldives on December 5 before taking on India two days later. The team will play Afghanistan on December 9. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bhutan are on Group B. Top two teams from each group will qualify for semi-finals.