Thimpu, September 25

Roman Limbu converted a free kick from almost the centre of the pitch as Nepali youth team kept their title hopes alive with a 2-1 victory over 10-man Bangladesh in their third match of the SAFF U-18 Championship here at the Changlimithang Stadium today.

Abhisek Rijal and Limbu scored a goal each for defending champions Nepal, while Mohammed Al Amin netted one for Bangladesh. Bangladesh played most of the second half with 10 men after Bishwonath Gosh was expelled in the 54th minute.

In the first match of the day, India defeated Maldives 2-1. The results meant four teams — India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan — are tied on six points going into the final round of the round-robin tournament. India are at the top of the table with the superior goal difference (plus three), while Nepal and Bangladesh are behind with plus-two.

In the last round matches slated for Wednesday, Nepal will play against India, while hosts Bhutan face Bangladesh.  The team with maximum points will be declared the champions. Nepal had defeated India in penalty shootout in the previous edition of the championship which was played among U-19 teams. The AFC officially changed the tournament to U-18 age group from this year.

Rijal put Nepal ahead with a goal in the 22nd minute. But Nepal’s joy shortlived as Bangladesh levelled the scores eight minutes later when Al Amin found the back of the nets. Bangladesh were reduced to 10 men in the 54th minute when Gosh received second yellow card for misbehaving Nepal’s Limbu. Limbu then produced the moment of brilliance when he converted the free kick into a sensational goal from around 40 yards to seal the victory.

Nepal head coach Chhiring Lopsang was a relieved man after the final whistle and lauded the performance of his boys. “I am very happy and satisfied with the result. We got the much-needed three points and that is the most important thing at the moment,” he added. His Bangladeshi counterpart Md Mahabub Hossain Roksy said his team was unfortunate. “We were better than Nepal in the match and also created lots of chances. But unfortunately the boys failed to add goal,” he added.