Nepal took an early second minute lead through an own goal from Shabaib Al Khaldi at the Muangthong Stadium before Saleem Albariki levelled the scores in the 75th minute. With time running out, Gharti Magar kept his cool to convert a penalty in the 81st minute handing Nepal a sensational victory over a team that is 55 places above in the Fifa world rankings. While Nepal languish at the 166th spot in the rankings, Kuwait boast a 111th position.

Nepal stay second behind defending champions Uzbekistan only on goal difference. Both have four  points in Group ‘C’ and only need one more point to advance to the quarter-finals. Top two teams progress to the quart-finals and further one victory from any teams from four pool Groups will ensure tickets to the 2015 U-17 Fifa World Cup to be held in Chile.

Nepal took a surprise lead when a cross from Kiran Sunar, who struck a last gasp equaliser in Nepal’s 1-1 draw against Uzbekistan two days earlier, got a deflection from skipper Al Khaldi and ball rolled in past goalline.

Boosted by the early goal combined with the return of Gharti Magar, who sat out serving suspension in the first match, Nepal kept on exerting pressure but failed to convert their chances. Anjan Bista, Sanjog Rai and Sunar all missed several scoring chances. Defender Ananta Tamang helped Nepal preserve the lead by clearing a shot from Kuwait forward Al Khaldi.

Kuwait, however, levelled the scores through a spot kick when Akash Thapa was adjudged to have brought down Mohammad Alsulaili inside the area in the 75th minute. Nepal custodian Roman Rasaili guessed well but Albariki’s shot was too powerful for him to stop. After missing out on several chances, Nepal’s hard work paid off when Anjan Bista won a penalty after he was tripped inside the box. Gharti Magar stepped in to convert the spot kick.

Nepal coach Bal Gopal Maharjan was happy to have collected three points against a strong team. “This is a huge win which has increased our chances of progressing to the quarter-finals,” said Maharjan. “I am really happy with the way our boys are playing. Holding defending champions and then beating one of the best teams in Asia proves that we are playing extremely good football.”

Maharjan, however, was upset of missing the chances that came their way. “We need to be able to capitalise on every opportunity we get while playing with such tough opponents,” said Maharjan expecting to get even better fight against the 2010 champions DPR Korea in their last match on Thursday.