Nepal kicked off their SAFF U17 Men’s Championship Campaign with a win, defeating hosts Sri Lanka 2-0 at the Colombo Racecourse Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Monday.

Sri Lanka and Nepal had had a tough competition ever since match referee Ashwin Kumar blew the first whistle. However, after Sri Lanka were reduced to 10 men in the 29th minute, Nepal had an upper hand. Mohammad Ifham was sent off with a second yellow in the 29th minute.

Nevertheless, despite going down to 10 men, Sri Lanka did not let Nepal dominate. The hosts were able to keep the score sheet goalless until the first half.

However, in the 52nd minute, Samir Kumar headed the ball to give Nepal the lead. Kumar positioned himself perfectly at the edge of the six-yard box to receive the cross from Pratish Thapa Magar from the left flank.

Kumar, who was adjudged the player of the match, gave Nepal the second goal in the third minute of the five minutes of additional time after 90 minutes of regulation time.

The win has raised the chances for Nepal to reach the semi-final stage. Nepal are in Group A, including Bangladesh. All seven active SAARC countries have participated in the tournament.

The top two teams from each group progress to the semi-final stage. Group B comprises India, Pakistan, Bhutan and the Maldives.

Nepal will now face Bangladesh on Thursday.