Nepal outshines host Bangladesh 2-0 to ascend to SAFF semifinals

KATHMANDU, Sept 9: Nepal entered semifinals of the SAFF Championship after defeating host Bangladesh 2-0 in a match played at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday.

Nepal took the lead with a goal by Bimal Ghartimagar in the 33rd minute. Ghartimagar scored a free-kick goal from around 33 yards away.

Nepal inched towards the victory when Nawayug Shrestha scored another goal in the 89th minute leading the match 2-0. Shrestha’s goal turned to be a decisive goal later. With this win, Nepal has become the group winner with six points.

Pakistan has become the first runner up of the group with six points, while Bangladesh and Bhutan have been eliminated from group phase. In the first match, Nepal was defeated 2-1 by Pakistan. Likewise, it defeated Bhutan 4-0 in the second match. Semifinals will start from coming Tuesday. RSS