Kathmandu, May 22

Nepal played a 1-1 draw against Malaysia in their first of the two international friendly matches at the Stadium Likas in Kote Kinabalu, Malaysia today.

After a goalless first half, Dadree Rofinus opened the scoring for Malaysia in the 64th minute. The hosts’ enjoy short lived as Sabitra Bhandari levelled the scores three minutes later as she found the back of the nets in the 67th minute.

Malaysia are hosting Nepal for two friendly matches as part of preparation for the 29th Southeast Asian Games slated for August 19-30 in Kuala Lumpur. The second match is scheduled for Tuesday.

Earlier, Nepal had invited Malaysia for a friendly match in December last year at the ANFA Complex to prepare for the SAFF Women’s Championship held in India from December 26 to January 4. Nepal had defeated Malaysia 1-0 with Bhandari scoring the solitary goal of the match.

Nepal head coach Kumar Thapa said he was happy with the result as the team rallied for a draw. “We created a couple of chances but failed to score as the players gave them away too easily,” said Thapa, whose team is still struggling to adjust with the local conditions. “It took us some time to adjust to the humid conditions in a new place. I am sure we will do well in the second match because the players will get acclimatised by then. And their confidence has also grown by scoring an away goal, which came as a gift for us. A long ball charged by Dipa Rai was fumbled by the Malaysian goalkeeper and Sabitra slotted home with ease,” he added.