SAFF U18: Nepal win 2-1 against 10-man Bangladesh

Thimpu, September 25: Bangladesh U18 team have suffered an unlucky loss at the hands of Nepal in the third match of the ongoing SAFF U18 Championship 2017.

The Nepalese side took full advantage of 10-man Bangladesh to ensure a 2-1 win on Monday evening.

The Red and Greens started brightly creating 3 chances within the first 14 minutes.

However, it was Nepal who broke the deadlock on the 22nd minute. A Nepalese player drove down the left flank and crossed the ball to the far post. A brilliant header by Abhishek Rijal across the goalkeeper meant that Bangladesh would have to come from behind to win the match.

The boys hinted exactly that when Mohammad Al-Amin equalized for Bangladesh on the 30th minute with an opportunistic header after a left-footed free-kick rattled the Nepal crossbar.

The teams went into the break with a goal each.

After the interval, Bangladesh tried to press the Nepalese players to force them into mistakes.

However, Biswanath Ghosh conceded two yellows between 50th and 53rd minute to leave Bangladesh a man short.

The Nepalese side sensed the opportunity and tried to score a winner.

Bangladesh were also fighting bravely with 10-men.

On the 73rd minute, a low driven shot from the edge of the box hit the Nepal woodwork, much to the frustration of the hard-working Bangladesh side.

On the 80th minute, against the run of the play, Nepal got a free-kick almost at the middle of the pitch. A lobbed free-kick by Roman Limbu was misjudged by Bangladesh goalie Mahfuz Hasan Pitom giving Nepal the lead.

Bangladesh then fought to their level best but was unable to find an equalizer.

The Red and Greens will face Bhutan in their fourth and final match of the tournament at 4:00pm on Wednesday.