Kathmandu, September 16

Nepal U-16 team registered a 2-1 victory over Jordan in the opening match of the AFC U-16 Qualifiers in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday.

Rejin Subba scored both goals for Nepal, while Muhannad Mohammad Omar Abuawad scored a consolation goal for Jordan.

Subba gave Nepal the lead in the 27th minute capitalising on a blunder of Jordanian defenders. Subba scored his second goal and doubled the tally for Nepal following a pass from Dinesh Hemjan in the 69th minute. Jordan tried to come back into the game with the goal of Abuawad in the injury time but it was too late.

Nepal wasted some chances of scoring in the match, while Jordan dominated the initial phase of the match but could not convert their chances. In the 61st minute Ibrahim Mohammad was unlucky as his long rang effort rebounded off the woodwork. Nepal goalkeeper Arpan Karki made a save to deny Jordan in the 78th minute.

Nepal coach Upendra Man Singh said the boys could have scored more goals. “The boys played as per the plan and they were motivated with the performance of their seniors. We had discussed a lot about the match before the game and the players performed as per the strategy,” the former national team skipper added.

Jordan coach Abdullah Qetati said he could not believe the result. “I had not expected this from my boys. This is football and any thing can happen in this game. Nepali players were quick and that caused trouble to our defenders,” he added.

Nepal will take on hosts Kyrgyzstan on September 18.